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 are often 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 equipment/clothing for living organisms
- Pay attention to damp hard to inspect areas
- Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly
- If you find organisms leave them at the water body or a hard surface to die out
- Dry all equipment and clothing
- Some species can live for many days in damp conditions
Check, Clean, Dry: guide for water users (Non Native Species website)
