Ditch the hitchers
Freshwater plants and animals are threatening the Lake District’s wildlife.
Floating pennywort, Australian swamp stonecrop, American signal crayfish and the killer shrimp are just a few of the species that will have devastating effects on our waters.
Why are invasive non-native species such a problem?
- They are tough invaders, which can out-compete our native species
- They grow rapidly and can often dominate a river, tarn or lake
- Once established they often are very costly and complicated to kill or to control
- They spread so easily you may not even know one is ‘hitchhiking’ on your kit!
Help native wildlife
Invasive non-native species of wildlife can hitchhike on equipment, footwear, clothing and boats. You may inadvertently spread the aliens even if you just go for a paddle! Every time you leave any water such as a river, tarn or lake:
Check - Clean - Dry
- Check your equipment and clothing for living organisms. Pay particular attention to damp or hard to inspect areas.
- Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly. If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found them or on a hard surface to die out.
- Dry all equipment and clothing. Some species can live for many days in damp conditions.
Find out more at Biosecurity - South Cumbria Rivers Trust
