Unwelcome invaders sighted near Uppermill park

The Signal Crayfish pictured in Uppermill

Take a look at the picture (above) and you will see an unwelcome ‘invader’.

The photograph was taken this week by children at the stepping stones, near Uppermill park.

Now the Mersey Rivers Trust reveal: "We are aware of the American Signal Crayfish in the River Tame which is an invasive, non-native species from North America that was introduced to the UK in the 1970s.

“It outcompetes and spreads crayfish plague, which devastates the native, white-clawed crayfish, and its burrowing activities can cause significant erosion to riverbanks.

“Distinguishing features include its larger size and red undersides claws with a distinctive turquoise/white blotch at the hinge.

“Signal Crayfish can breed and multiply quickly and cause extensive damage to banks through burrowing.

“They reduce overall water quality and eat almost anything, from aquatic plants to small invertebrates, fish, frogs and even each other.

“We are currently working in partnership with the Environment Agency and United Utilities to help protect a small population of Native White Clawed Crayfish with the Saddleworth catchment.”

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