Rivers
There are two main river catchments in the Park, one on each side of the central moorland watershed: the River Esk in the north and the upper tributaries of the River Derwent in the south.
The streams on the western edge of the Park run into the River Swale, small streams along the east coast run straight out to the North Sea and the River Leven in the northwest flows into the River Tees.
These rivers provide an important habitat for wildlife, a water supply for people and for farms, they are an important part of the character of the landscape and they contribute to the local economy through fishing licences. Click on the links below to find out more.
- Rivers and Streams Habitat Action Plan 2008
- State of the Park 2006 - Water Quality
- River wildlife
- River wildlife factsheets
- River Esk Regeneration Programme 1997 to 2001
- Upper Derwent Enhancement Scheme 1998 - 2001
- Information about rivers for children
Pearl Mussel and Salmon Recovery Project
The freshwater pearl mussel population in the River Esk is in serious decline due to habitat that is no longer of high enough quality. Freshwater pearl mussels are found in fast running water with a mixture of sand and stones. They can live for 100 years or more, but the Esk population may not have produced young for over 30 years. The species is dependent on salmon and trout as hosts for its larvae. If nothing is done to halt this decline the pearl mussel could become extint in the River Esk in 25 years.
The Esk Pearl Mussel and Salmon Recovery Project is based on partnership working between the Environment Agency, Natural England, Durham University and the North York Moors National Park Authority. The objective is to try to reverse the decline of the pearl mussel and salmon populations through a captive breeding programme for the pearl mussels and by improving the river habitat. Click on the links below to find out more.
