Ordnance Survey – Great Britain's national mapping agency

National Trust site is 'top' for conservation

04 December 2007

A survey carried out on a National Trust site in Northumberland has revealed that the area is one of England's top sites for conservation.

The stretch of the River Wansbeck in question runs through Wallington Estate, which is enjoyed by many as a peaceful day out, has been found to be a rare habitat for the endangered white-clawed crayfish.

John Jamieson, National Trust warden at the Wallington Estate, said: "Results from this survey have confirmed that the River Wansbeck is an internationally important stronghold for the white-clawed crayfish.

"We now have the data to help focus our work on how we can further strengthen their habitats and make sure that the crayfish can flourish."

The white-clawed crayfish is one of Britain's most endangered native animals, and numbers of the species have declined dramatically as a result of the introduction of the American signal crayfish, which is larger and more aggressive.

Wallington Estate in Morpeth is set in walled gardens which are open to the public throughout the year, along with its farm shop.

Inside the manor house are pre-Raphaelite paintings of Northumbria and an expansive collection of historic dolls' houses.

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