Wildife of the River Wear

The Wear catchment is home to a broad diversity of wildlife which depends on the river to feed, breed and live; including birds, mammals, invertebrates, fish and plant species. Ospreys have been sighted fishing in the catchment and the mining heritage in the upper catchment has influenced the distribution of metal tolerant river invertebrates and lead to the establishment of unique plant species which can survive on the mobile river gravels composed of mine spoil. Some of these species are protected due to their declining numbers and diminishing habitats, these include bullhead, salmon, water voles, otters and heavy metal tolerant plants.

The Wear Rivers Trust is keen to protect wildlife within the catchment and to encourage and manage a healthy balance within the ecosystem. Sometimes this includes managing non-native and invasive species which threaten the river banks, river structures such as road or rail bridges and our natural biodiversity.