Written by: Michael Teager
2026
Conservationists have recently introduced a population of White-Clawed Crayfish at Hollinwell to help boost numbers of this rare native species. Experts from the Environment Agency and Birmingham Sea Life Centre translocated a nearby population that was under threat, quarantined them at the Sea Life Centre, and then released them into a secure section of the watercourses running through the golf course. This coordinated effort aims to safeguard the species’ future.
White-Clawed Crayfish numbers have declined dramatically, by at least 70% across the UK since the 1970s. They are now threatened with extinction due to pollution, habitat loss, and, most significantly, the spread of invasive non-native crayfish species.
A key element in protecting White-Clawed Crayfish and other native wildlife is strong biosecurity to prevent the spread of invasive species. We worked closely with the Environment Agency and the Sea Life Centre to ensure the crayfish were safely captured, quarantined, and transported.
Acting as an secure site for these crayfish highlights the excellent work being carried out at Hollinwell to manage a golf course that works in harmony with the natural environment.
