May 2023

Invasive Species Week (15-21 May) is a national initiative to raise awareness of invasive species and the simple things you can do to stop their spread as well as sharing some of the great work being done around the country to tackle these problematic species.

Each day has its own theme:

Monday 15 May: What are invasive non-native species?

Tuesday 16 May: How are they spread?

Wednesday 17 May: Why are they a problem?

Thursday 18 May: What is being done?

Friday 19 May: What can I do?

You can get involved! 

Date	Location	Activity	Detail
Monday 15 May	Longham Lakes, Roadford Lake, Upper Tamar Lake	Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt	Keep your eyes on our social media channels for details on how to participate in the Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt, and win prizes.
Tuesday 16 May	Drift Reservoir	Invasive Species Monitoring and Management	We need your help to continue our management of American skunk cabbage, Himalayan balsam and others. Book here.
Tuesday 16 May	Roadford Lake	South West Invasive Species Forum	This is a free event with lunch provided. Booking essential! Click here to reserve your space.
Wednesday 17 May	Siblyback Lake	Himalayan Balsam Pulling	Join us to help control this species on our County Wildlife Sites. Please find more details and book here.
Thursday 18 May	Stithians Lake	INNS Pop-up	James, our Invasive Species Officer, will be in his crayfish costume - come and have a chat!
Friday 19 May	Porth Reservoir	Himalayan Balsam Pulling and BBQ	Come help us control this species and enjoy a little BBQ as a thank you.  Click here for more info and to book your spot.

Monday 15 May: What are invasive non-native species?

Non-native species are those that are transported outside of their native range. There are thousands of these in the UK which exist without much issue. However, occasionally, the lack of natural predators, diseases, abundance of food and other factors allow these species to reproduce and spread prolifically. This is when they become invasive, and cause problems to the ecosystem, economy and human health. Famous examples are Japanese knotweed and grey squirrels.

Tuesday 16 May: How are they spread?

Invasive non-native species are primarily spread by humans, either deliberately or accidentally. Things like sports and angling equipment, footwear and vehicles pick up fragments of these species from one place and transport them without the user knowing. This is why practising biosecurity and checking your equipment before and after accessing the environment is so important. Sometimes invasive species are transported deliberately, such as pond plants and other plants in the horticulture industry, certain animals in the exotic pet industry.

Wednesday 17 May: Why are they a problem?

Ecosystems have evolved over many hundreds of thousands of years to sustain the species within it in a balance. There are also finite resources in an ecosystem, which all the species have evolved to use in a balance. Adding an invasive species into an ecosystem causes the ecosystem to lose this balance, and as a result native species decline while invasive species increase, reproduce and spread. This can result in blocked waterways, reduced access and activities, reduced biodiversity and even local extinction of species. Some of these species can adversely affect property development, and damage infrastructure. Some, such as giant hogweed, can be hazardous to our health.

Thursday 18 May: What is being done?

South West Lakes, in partnership with South West Water, have been installing biosecurity facilities at many of our lakes to enable users to practise biosecurity when visiting. These are free of charge and there for our visitors' convenience! We carry out enhanced biosecurity checks at angling competitions throughout the season as well. We have biosecurity kits in all company vehicles, and biosecurity is integrated into our day to day procedures.  

We also raise awareness by attending events and festivals. If you are out and see James in a crayfish suit, say hi!

We organise volunteer Himalayan balsam pulling days, such as the ones on throughout Cornwall this week.

We also have a network of volunteers throughout the region called Site Guardians who survey our sites periodically for any new invasions, so we can tackle anything new before it becomes more widespread and difficult to control. They also carry out biosecurity, maintain our facilities, install and check signage, among other things!

One of the best ways you can help in the fight against invasive species is by practising good biosecurity following three basic steps:

1. Check your equipment and clothing for visible signs of any plant or animal matter.

2. Clean your equipment off thoroughly.

3. Dry your equipment thoroughly. Some invasive species can survive 14 days in damp conditions and two days in completely dry conditions.

Friday 19 May: What can I do?

One of the best ways you can help in the fight against invasive species is by practising good biosecurity following three basic steps:

1. Check your equipment and clothing for visible signs of any plant or animal matter.

2. Clean your equipment off thoroughly.

3. Dry your equipment thoroughly. Some invasive species can survive 14 days in damp conditions and two days in completely dry conditions.

Another thing you can do that is extremely important is to report any invasive species you might come across. We can’t be everywhere, so many of our invasive species sightings come from clued up members of the public, for which we are very thankful!

You can take the free online training from the GBNNSS to arm yourself with more knowledge so you can better identify invasive species and the risks surrounding them.

You can sign up to be a member of our site guardian team that works throughout the region to detect new invasions as they arrive on our sites, help install and maintain biosecurity facilities, control invasive plants, and other things! Just email [email protected] for details.

You can organise your own Himalayan balsam pulling days! Do you know anywhere where the annual invasive Himalayan balsam grows? Get together with some friends and tackle it yourself. It has a shallow root system so is easy to pull out in spring before it flowers. It is very important to not pull it after it flowers to prevent accidental spreading of the seeds. You can find more details on how to pull these plants here.

About us 

We believe engaging with the natural environment enables people to grow. Our reservoirs and lakes are home to many wonderful animals and boast important habitats and built historic sites. We pride ourselves on enabling people of all abilities to enjoy these special locations by providing access both on and off the water. It’s your outdoors – come and explore.