Students studying Level 3 and degree-level Land and Wildlife courses visited Bristol Zoo to meet Jen Nightingale, the zoo’s UK Conservation Manager, for a behind the scenes master class on our native crayfish and the outstanding conservation work that she and her wider team and partners are involved with. After a comprehensive presentation students were invited to handle the breeding crayfish, learn essential identification skills and tour the on-site facilities.

The South West Crayfish Partnership (SWCP) is a collaboration between Buglife – The Invertebrate Conservation Trust, Avon Wildlife Trust, Bristol Conservation & Science Foundation and the Environment Agency. The SWCP was established in 2008 in response to the severe decline of native white-clawed crayfish in south west England and is currently running the largest strategic programme of re-homing at-risk populations of white-clawed crayfish to new safe sites.

The white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) priority species under UK and international legislation. The species is subject to a range of pressures; in the last decade many of the most important native crayfish populations in the South West have been lost. The white-clawed crayfish is still at risk in south west England, largely due to the spread of the invasive signal crayfish. Many populations in the region have been lost or are at risk of extinction.

Hayley Wood, Lecturer said,

“Engaging with the invasive species conservation work of Jen and her team is a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage in live, UK based, case studies as well as apply their knowledge of aquatic habitat management to a wider context. We look forward to working alongside the Bristol Zoo team again by participating in their field work during the upcoming term.”

Alan Sinclair, Course Leader added,

“A big thank you to Jen for taking the time to share her passion for native crayfish conservation and deliver an outstanding experience for the students at Bristol Zoo. Her knowledge and enthusiasm was infectious and everyone picked up invaluable information and project details.”

http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk/save-wildlife/conservation-and-research/white-clawed-crayfish-project

For more information about land-based courses at Bridgwater & Taunton College call 01278 441234 or visit www.btc.ac.uk