Rivers and Streams

Rivers and Streams (pdf full description) 

Approximate extent - c.900 km

Distribution - Across the Peak District

Opportunities and Threats

Extent - Widespread and stable.

Condition - Generally moderate.  Sedimentation, nutrient enrichment, invasive non-native species, past structural modifications and pesticide contamination all impact on river quality.  Low flow is an issue in some river sections.

Connectivity - Generally good, although away from the moors and dales connectivity with valley corridor habitats is often fragmented.

Climate change risks - Moderate to high risk of low flow, complete seasonal drying out and reduced water quality.

Priorities

The importance of this habitat together with existing threats to condition and vulnerability to climate change mean it is:

High priority to:

• Reduce agricultural inputs (sedimentation, nutrient enrichment and pesticide contamination) in priority catchments.

Medium priority to:

• Research and where possible mitigate causes of low flow.
• Enhance river quality through measures such as restoration of natural channel conditions where appropriate
• Address invasive species in priority catchments
• Restore river corridor habitats