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Creating a better place

Kielder a ‘beacon of hope’ in work to save pearl mussel

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Fisheries and biodiversity, Nature, Water
Image shows a wild juvenile freshwater pearl mussel lying on someone’s hand.

The critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel populations have declined drastically worldwide over recent decades. But conservation work at Kielder Salmon Centre in Northumberland is aiming to reverse that trend through a captive breeding programme and by working with partners to create healthier rivers.

Strengthening Environmental Science: A New Chapter in Water Monitoring

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency, Science, Water Monitoring
A scientist sits at a liquid chromatography station, working on the computer. Behind them, the modern laboratory floor is visible, featuring new analytical equipment and workstations in a bright, open plan setting

Enhancing our scientific capabilities to understand and monitor England's rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Investing in Scientific Excellence The Environment Agency (EA) has taken an important step forward in enhancing our water monitoring capabilities with a £4 million investment in …

Cleaning up rivers polluted by abandoned metal mines

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Environment Agency
The Force Crag mine water treatment ponds, Lake District. Photo by John Malley.

The problems facing water are complex, with multiple sources of pollution affecting water quality. One of the lesser-known areas of the Environment Agency’s work is cleaning up pollution from abandoned metal mines.
Mining played a major part in Britain’s rich industrial history, but this also left thousands of abandoned mines scattered across our landscape. Almost all these mines had closed by the early 1900s but they are still releasing harmful metals including lead, cadmium and copper. This is one of the top 10 issues for water quality in England as it harms fish and river insects. Abandoned mines are the largest source of metals to British rivers and seas (click here for more information). Pollution is localised to about 1,500km of rivers - mainly in the North East, Cumbria, Yorkshire & Cornwall.