INVASIVE Species Week helped raise awareness of the impacts of such plants and animals on the environment and how visitors to lakes can help prevent their introduction and spread.

South West Lakes Trust and South West Water held a series of events and activities at various lakes to raise awareness during the week, including encouraging people to ‘check, clean, dry’ their watersports equipment to prevent spreading invasive species such as giant hogweed, Asian hornets, signal crayfish and the freshwater zebra mussel.

Speakers from local and national environmental organisations talked about the Regional Invasive Species Management Plan and biosecurity, and highlighted the species people should be most concerned about regionally. Children played invasive species games and went on an alien detective nature trail.

Nicola Morris, invasive species officer at South West Lakes Trust, said: ‘Invasive Species Week is a great way to raise awareness of the impacts of invasive non-native species and what we can all do to help prevent their introduction and spread.

‘The family activities have been fantastic and it’s great to work with people of all ages. Our event at Burrator attracted one family of three generations and everyone was really interested to find out how they can help.’

Ways to help prevent the spread of invasive species:

Everyone taking part in recreational activities in water (anglers, boaters, canoeists etc) should ‘check, clean, dry’ their equipment and clothing after leaving the water to avoid spreading invasive aquatic species.

When planning a garden clear-out, remember to ‘be plant wise’ – dispose of plants responsibly and don’t dump them in the wild, including any from your pond or aquarium.

Take care of your pets. Never release them, or allow them to escape into the wild.

Be aware of species to look out for. This spring and summer, keep an eye out for Asian hornet and report sightings via an online form, the Asian hornet watch app; or by sending a picture to the alert email address: [email protected].

If you enjoy being outside and want to try something new, why not volunteer with a Local Action Group working on management of invasive non-native species.