Ballinderry River Trust's freshwater pearl project back in the spotlight

BBC Northern Ireland’s popular weathercaster and wildlife presenter Barra Best visited Ballinderry Rivers Trust's Conservation Breeding Centre and River School, located just outside Cookstown, in August last year to film a segment for his new series called Bara's Return of the Wild on BBC 1.
By Stanley Campbell
Published 10th Jul 2023, 14:26 BST
Updated 10th Jul 2023, 14:27 BST
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The episode, scheduled to air on Wednesday July 19 at 8pm on BBC One Northern Ireland, highlights the freshwater pearl mussel project and the Trust's efforts to protect the river ecosystem, especially highlighting work being done in collaboration with local landowners.

During his visit to film, Barra documented the work being done at the conservation breeding centre and on the river itself. The footage showcases Ballinderry Rivers Trust's dedication to preserving the freshwater pearl mussel population, ensuring their longevity and successful reproduction in the river.

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The freshwater pearl mussel project, which has been ongoing since 1998, is Europe's longest-running conservation breeding programme for this globally endangered species. As part of the breeding programme, over 3000 freshwater pearl mussels have been released into the Ballinderry River, effectively doubling the remaining wild population. This initiative has extended the extinction date of the Ballinderry population by at least 100 years. In addition to the breeding programme, the Trust works closely with landowners to promote water-friendly farming practices and implements projects to reduce soil and nutrient loss, thus alleviating pressures on the water environment. The Trust also engages with the wider community to raise awareness of the species' plight and encourages everyone to contribute to its protection.

Ballinderry Rivers Trust Conservation Breeding Programmes Manager Frank Mitchell checks the river. Credit: Ballinderry Rivers TrustBallinderry Rivers Trust Conservation Breeding Programmes Manager Frank Mitchell checks the river. Credit: Ballinderry Rivers Trust
Ballinderry Rivers Trust Conservation Breeding Programmes Manager Frank Mitchell checks the river. Credit: Ballinderry Rivers Trust

During his trip to the River School, Barra expressed his admiration for the work being done at the breeding centre and commended the ongoing efforts, by both the Trust and local landowners, to protect this globally endangered species.

The filmed material has already been featured in a programme aired in the EU and was also included in RTÉ's wildlife series broadcast last month. He interviewed Ballinderry Rivers Trust Conservation Breeding Programmes Manager Frank Mitchell, who guided the presenter's hands-on experience in both the breeding centre and out on the river. Agriculture and Land Manager Rachael McEldowney and Agricultural Advisor Eoin Devlin also feature in the upcoming programme.

Related topics:BBC Northern Ireland