Scotland's Hidden Treasures: The Enigmatic Freshwater Pearl Mussels
Scotland's critically endangered freshwater pearl mussels, which are a keystone species and filter 50 liters of water a day, are on the verge of extinction due to poaching and the effects of climate change. The River Dee Trust and stakeholders like Artfarm are leading the One Million Trees campaign to plant trees in the River Dee catchment area, aiming to protect the mussels and salmon by providing shade, stabilizing riverbanks, and creating habitats for insects. The campaign has gained support from Scottish whisky distillers, who rely on the mussels to filter water for better-tasting whisky. The initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage stewardship of the imperiled species and their habitat.