Wildlife

The River Eden is home to a variety of wildlife which live in and around the river, and rely on it to survive, including birds, mammals, invertebrates, fish and plant life. There are also a number of protected species which make the river and its catchment a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Quick Facts

• There are 183 plant species recorded in the Eden catchment; the highest of all rivers in Britain.
• The largest colony of nesting Sand Martins in Cumbria can be found along the River Eden.
• It is of high invertebrate interest for species associated with river shingles and sandbanks.
• It is one of the most important British sites for the native white-clawed crayfish
• Protected species include; white-clawed crayfish, bullhead, three species of lamprey, Atlantic salmon, water crowfoot and otters.
• Ospreys have been seen fishing in the catchment.
• Salmon, Brown trout, Sea trout and Grayling make the river popular with anglers and are an excellent sign of a healthy river!
• The water vole is in danger of becoming extinct in Cumbria. Please help the Cumbria Water Vole project look after this endangered creature.
• Otter numbers are increasing throughout the catchment.