River Wensum
Site details
Location of River Wensum SAC/SCI/cSAC
Note:
When undertaking an appropriate assessment of impacts at a site, all features of European importance (both primary and non-primary) need to be considered.
Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site
| 3260 Water courses of plain to montane levels with the Ranunculion fluitantis and Callitricho-Batrachion vegetation |
| The Wensum represents sub-type 1 in lowland eastern England. Although the river is extensively regulated by weirs, Ranunculus vegetation occurs sporadically throughout much of the river’s length. Stream water-crowfoot R. penicillatus ssp. pseudofluitans is the dominant Ranunculus species but thread-leaved water-crowfoot R. trichophyllus and fan-leaved water-crowfoot R. circinatus also occur. |
Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site
Not applicable.
Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site
| 1092 White-clawed (or Atlantic stream) crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes |
| The Wensum is a chalk-fed river in eastern England, and is an eastern example of riverine white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes populations. As with most of the remaining crayfish populations in the south and east of England, the threats from non-native crayfish species and crayfish plague are severe. Designation of the river as a SAC provides as much protection as can be afforded to such vulnerable populations. |
Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection
| 1016 Desmoulin`s whorl snail Vertigo moulinsiana |
| 1096 Brook lamprey Lampetra planeri |
| 1163 Bullhead Cottus gobio |
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