SOME council meetings may have a reputation as being a bit boring to the public, but a special visitor from the animal kingdom certainly livened up proceedings in South Somerset last week.

The July meeting of the full South Somerset District Council saw a European eel take to the microphone during public question time.

The slippery creature had taken a break from its home on the Somerset Levels to call on councillors to help save the species, which is currently listed as critically endangered.

The stunt was organised by the local Extinction Rebellion branch, and came as the council prepared to announce its environmental strategy.

In response, Councillor Sarah Dyke, portfolio holder for Environment at SSDC, said: “The European Eel is a significant species for Somerset and taking into account its critically endangered status its conservation should be considered by the relevant authorities.

“The eels’ complex lifecycle makes it particularly vulnerable to habitat changes.

“This, coupled with climate change and the operations across the Levels post-flooding, must have had an impact on the populations that have been able to successfully use Somerset as part of their migratory and breeding routes.

“The eel has current and historic strong links to the River Parrett, of which a large proportion sits in the district of South Somerset.

“It is my view that a combination of the Environment Agency, Wildlife Trust, County ecological team and Somerset Rivers Authority are the key players in considering a conservation plan for the eel.”

The Extinction Rebellion spokesman also invited councillors to join the International Rebellion in London which begins on October 7.

Cllr Dyke added: “I hope that positive management works will be recommended as a follow on from the investigative work being carried out by the Steart Eels Project by the West Country Rivers Trust.

“It would be appropriate for South Somerset District to recognise its role in liaising with communities on the rivers and rhynes, engaging with the smaller rivers groups that may also have a role in supporting.”