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Special Areas of Conservation

River Ehen

Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Country England
Unitary Authority Cumbria
Centroid* NY031144
Latitude 54.51527778
Longitude -3.4975
SAC EU Code UK0030057
Status Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Area (ha) 23.33
* This is the approximate central point of the SAC. In the case of large, linear or composite sites, this may not represent the location where a feature occurs within the SAC.
Location of River Ehen SAC

General site character

  • Inland water bodies (Standing water, Running water) (90%)
  • Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (8%)
  • Coniferous woodland (2%)

Download the Standard Data Form for this site (PDF <100kb)

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

  • Not Applicable

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

  • 1029 Freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera

    The River Ehen supports the largest freshwater pearl mussel Margaritifera margaritifera population in England. Exceptionally high densities (greater than 100 m2) are found at some locations, with population estimates for the entire river exceeding 100,000. The conservation importance of the site is further enhanced by the presence of juvenile pearl mussels, indicating recruitment since 1990.

Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection

Many designated sites are on private land: the listing of a site in these pages does not imply any right of public access.