A new Native Species Zone has officially opened at Marwell Zoo, a major milestone in protecting some of the UK’s most threatened wildlife. The new area features Hampshire’s first white-clawed crayfish conservation breeding centre, a new habitat for endangered sand lizards and a native wildlife pond.
Once abundant in Hampshire’s chalk streams, white-clawed crayfish have suffered a dramatic decline in the past 40 years primarily due to competition and predation from a larger invasive non-native crayfish species, the signal crayfish, which also carries a deadly crayfish plague.
Developed in partnership with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and Bristol Zoological Society, Marwell’s dedicated conservation centre will play a crucial role in the Southern Chalkstreams Project. The facility will provide a biosecure environment to rear crayfish before their release into protected ark sites, helping establish new populations of the species.
Marwell’s Birds & Herps Team has designed an innovative, welfare-focused habitat for the white-clawed crayfish, featuring a bespoke water management system that replicates natural conditions to encourage their instinctive behaviours.
Laura Read, Chief Executive of Marwell Wildlife, said: “Marwell has a proud history of native species conservation, and the opening of the first white-clawed crayfish breeding centre in Hampshire marks an exciting new chapter in our efforts to protect UK wildlife. This new space not only strengthens our role in safeguarding endangered native species but also allows our guests to experience and engage with our conservation work firsthand. For the first time, guests can explore a dedicated area of the zoo that highlights our commitment to restoring local biodiversity and inspiring action for nature.”
Hampshire is home to many of England’s globally rare chalk streams, with 85% of the world’s chalk streams found in the UK. As a keystone species, white-clawed crayfish play a vital role in maintaining the health of these freshwater ecosystems.
Dr Ben Rushbrook, Principal Ecologist at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trusts, said: “The opening of this new Breeding Centre is an incredibly exciting moment for white-clawed crayfish in Hampshire. It represents a major milestone in helping to protect and restore our wild populations, and the culmination of nearly two years of hard work by staff at Marwell Zoo, the Trust, and Bristol Zoological Society.
“Through the Southern Chalkstreams Project, we’re not just saving a species, we’re restoring balance to our rivers. By taking action now, we can ensure these wonderful native crustaceans continue to thrive in our rivers for generations to come, helping to safeguard the rich biodiversity – and incredible wildlife – of our chalk streams.”
The Native Species Zone also provides a new home for sand lizards, one of the UK’s rarest reptiles, which have suffered from habitat destruction. Marwell Wildlife has been instrumental in sand lizard conservation for over 30 years, helping to reintroduce the species across the south of England.
Designed to educate and inspire zoo guests, the Native Species Zone aims to provide visitors with a rare opportunity to see white-clawed crayfish and sand lizards up close, learn about the threats facing vulnerable UK wildlife and Marwell’s 30-year efforts to protect species and habitats. It also includes a wildlife pond, bug hotel, natural play area and a Nature Nook library to inspire visitors to connect with and protect the UK’s natural world. Winchester School of Art students Anya Isaacs and Sarah Graham have designed and created two vibrant murals in the zone, providing striking backdrops for photo opportunities.
The project, which was part-funded by the UK government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund, also received donations from the Big Give Green Match Fund and Marjorie Coote Animal Charity Trust, as well as from supporters of Marwell Wildlife, and was only made possible thanks to their generosity.
For more information, visit www.marwell.org.uk.
