A cheeky visitor sneaks into the Tyne, but will the local wildlife be smitten by its mittens?

Known in China as the big sluice crab or the Shanghai hairy crab, this burrowing crustacean can survive in coastal waters as well as fresh. It's additional high tolerance to pollution makes it peculiarly well adapted to migration beyond its historic environment. The crab is considered an invasive species of concern in both the United States and Europe, where its import is banned. However, in its native China the mitten crab is served as an autumn delicacy, and is in relatively high demand. In 2010 the first mitten crab vending machine was opened; a refrigeration unit kept the crabs at a temperature which would induce sleep or lethargy while they waited to be purchased.

An edition of the Tyne Tees Television wildlife programme Wild North, presented by Kim Inglis. In the first part of the programme, a report from Gosforth Park Nature Reserve near Newcastle and a survey being done there on small mammals including Bank voles and Shews.

The second report comes from the beach at Staithes on a wildlife sculptor Jo Perry, who makes pieces of art from driftwood she finds the beaches of the North Yorkshire coastline. The third report comes from Preston Cemetery at North Shields, where wildlife cameraman Kip Halsey makes a video diary of the wildlife living there. The final report is on the invasive Chinese mitten crab and research being done by Newcastle University on the spread to the River Tyne.