The Riverfly Partnership Species and Habitat Group was formed in 2008 to deliver the RP’s work on riverfly populations; the conservation of rare and threatened riverfly species and their habitats through awareness raising, collaborative work, projects and research. The group chaired by Vicky Kindemba, Freshwater Officer at Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust, includes representatives from Salmon & Trout Association, Natural England, Environment Agency, Wild Trout Trust, Association of Rivers Trusts and Riverfly Recording Schemes amongst others.
For further information see the RP Species and Habitat pages on the Buglife website.
Contact: Vicky Kindemba, email: vicky.kindemba@buglife.org.uk
Biodiversity Action Plan species from left: Baetis niger © Stuart Crofts; Hagenella clathrata © Matthew Wallace; Isogenus nubecula © Mike Hammett
Eight Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) riverfly species
There are eight riverflies designated as BAP species in the UK. BAP species status means that there is a government responsibility to protect these species.
The Species and Habitat Group is gathering information, carrying out surveys, developing information resources and identifying the conservation work required for these species. Through the delivery of conservation action and communication the RP is working towards halting the decline of these species.
The Anglers Monitoring Initiative further underpins this work through helping to protect the water quality of our rivers and ensuring their good ecological status.
The RP acknowledge Natural England Countdown 2010 Fund which is supporting riverfly BAP work in England 2008-2011.
Stoneflies
Northern february red
Rare medium stonefly
Caddisflies
Small grey sedge
Window winged sedge
Scarce grey sedge
Scarce brown sedge
Mayflies
Southern iron blue
Yellow mayfly
Species dossiers and management sheets have been produced for all of the BAP riverfly species. These can be downloaded from Buglife.
Northern February red Brachyptera putata
This stonefly is unusual as it only occurs in Britain making it a British 'endemic' species. It occurs mainly in Scotland, with a few sites in England and Wales. The species is vulnerable to acidification, chemical pollution and high nutrient levels. Survey work and research is being carried out to provide a better understanding of its life cycle.
For more information, see the northern February red species dossier and management sheet, available to download from Buglife.
Rare medium stonefly Isogenus nubecula
This stonefly occurs only on the river Dee and was last found in 1995. However the species wasn't identified during recent surveys in 2004/06. Threats to this species include pollution (industrial and agricultural); it is also vulnerable to extreme conditions, for example, floods and droughts . Further surveys are required on the river Dee in addition to research work on its behaviour and habits.
For more information, see the rare medium stonefly species dossier and management sheet, available to download from Buglife.
Isogenus nubecula © Mike Hammett
Small grey sedge Glossosoma intermedium
This caddisfly has been found in only four Lake District streams. However it appears to no longer be at two of these sites and populations at a further site appear to be in decline. It is suspected that the impact of cypermethrin, used in sheep dip, may have led to the decline. Further site surveys are being carried out.
For more information, see the small grey sedge species dossier and management sheet, available to download from Buglife.
Window winged sedge Hagenella clathrata
This caddisfly lives in pools that occur on bogs and heathland, and is known at 10 sites in the UK. It is very sensitive to trampling and habitat loss from pools drying out and habitat succession. This species will benefit from the creation of new pools and the surveying of sites where it occurs.
For more information, see the window winged sedge species dossier and management sheet, available to download from Buglife.
Hagenella clathrata mating pair © Matthew Wallace
Scarce grey flag Hydropsyche bulgaromanorum
There is only one recent record for this caddisfly from the river Arun in Sussex, all other records are over 100 years old. This species prefers large rivers. River engineering works which alter the profile of the river may be causing a detrimental impact to populations. Habitat requirements should be considered in any river engineering works.
For more information, see the scarce grey flag species dossier and management sheet, available to download from Buglife.
Scarce brown sedge Ironoquia dubia
This caddisfly is known from two breeding sites where its habitat is scarce and declining. The species is vulnerable to habitat modification. Research is needed on the biology of the larvae which may be using the damp bankside habitat rather than the water. With improved understanding of the complete life cycle past and other potential sites will be surveyed.
For more information, see the scarce brown sedge species dossier and management sheet, available to download from Buglife.
Southern iron blue Baetis niger
This is a widespread mayfly which lives among weeds in chalk streams, has encountered significant decline in recent years. The decline has been linked to falls in water quality due to pollution and weed-cutting regimes. Other factors that may affect the species include: damage to bank-side and river vegetation, low flows, high levels of silt and dredging. Specific research is required to understand its decline, for example investigating the impact of weed-cutting regimes.
For more information, see the southern iron blue species dossier and management sheet, available to download from Buglife.
Baetis niger dun © Stuart Crofts
Yellow mayfly Potamanthus luteus
This mayfly is only found on the river Wye. As it is so rare its occurence is especially vulnerable e.g. to falls in water quality; changes in bankside and river vegetation, low flow; high levels of suspended silt, dredging and loss of side channels. Surveys of the rivers Test, Usk and Wye are being carried out, and more research is needed on the habits and nature of the species.
For more information, see the yellow mayfly species dossier and management sheet, available to download from Buglife.
River Habitat Action Plans (HAPs)
Habitat Action Plans (HAPs) identify the habitats identified for governement conservation status. The River HAP's include chalk streams habitats. The RP actively work to ensure the good ecological status of many river habitats through the RP Anglers Monitoring Initiative. The water quality of the Test and Itchen chalk streams is monitored on a monthly basis at 40 sites by The Test and Itchen Association AMI river keepers and volunteers. AMI activity also takes place on the Yorkshire chalk streams and the river Wandle. The Species and Habitat Group is working with partners on how rivers can be improved for the benefit of riverfly species and with The River Restoration Trust on guidelines for best practice in river restoration.
Articles
See also riverflies, conferences (2007 presentations - Peter Hayes)
Bennett C More ephemeral than we'd like Salmo Trutta 2003 p48-49
Cyril discusses his work to boost mayfly numbers » More ephemeral than we'd like - Cyril Bennett – PDF-File, 604.2 KB
Links
Association of Rivers Trusts
Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust Managing priority habitats for invertebrates
Countryside Council for Wales
Natural England
Riverfly Recording Schemes
River Restoration Centre
The River Restoration Centre offers technical advice and information on specific projects as well as general river restoration related advice. The Riverfly Partnership Anglers Monitoring Initiative will feature within their new best practice guidelines for river restoration.
Scottish Natural Heritage
Statutory body responsible for Scotland's natura and landscapes for everyone
Wild Trout Trust - Charitable organisation dedicated to the conservation of wild trout in Britain and Ireland through the protection and restoration of their habitats.
