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Invasive Species at Longham – how do they impact on your activities and how can you help?

By Nicola Morris, SW Lakes Invasive Species Officer

We all enjoy taking part in sports and hobbies in our free time. But there are invaders which could stop your enjoyment. When a new organism invades it can have devastating consequences. Covid-19 put a stop to almost all outdoor activities as part of global efforts to tackle the spread of the virus. As restrictions are lifted and it’s safe to head out we’d love you to join us at Longham Lakes again and there are a number of simple measures which could help not only keep you safe but help prevent the spread of invasive non-native species.

Biosecurity means taking steps to make sure that good hygiene practices are used to protect ourselves and reduce and minimise the risk of spreading invasive non-native species. Invasive plants and animals block waterways, harm the environment and wildlife and can damage any equipment you use for your sport or hobby. They can be small and hard to spot so are easily spread on damp clothing and equipment. Once established they become extremely difficult and expensive to eradicate, which is why it is so important to prevent their spread in the first place.

An example of this is the aquatic plant floating pennywort. This plant, now banned from sale, was used as an ornamental pond plant but it is extremely invasive, growing up to 20 cm each day and can rapidly cover an entire lake or block waterways. We can help prevent this happening by undertaking some simple actions.

Basic Biosecurity Advice

• Arrive at the lake with clean equipment and vehicle.
• Ensure footwear and equipment are clean before leaving the site.
• Make use of any on-site facilities to clean equipment.
• Follow the Check, Clean, Dry principal at all times when using the lakes.

• Help us protect the lakes and the activities we enjoy by following some simple steps to keep your kit, footwear and clothing free of invasive plants and animals.

Whenever you leave the lakes, remember to Check, Clean, Dry

Check your equipment, models and clothing after leaving the water for mud, aquatic animals or plant material. Remove anything you find and leave it at the site.

• Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can, paying attention to areas that are damp and hard to access. Use hot water if possible.
• Dry everything for as long as possible (ideally 48hrs) before using elsewhere as some invasive plants and animals can survive for two weeks in damp conditions.

• Nicola Morris, is South West Lakes Invasive Species Officer. Nicola works across the South West sharing her knowledge and expertise in Invasive Non Native Species in partnership with South West Water Find more information at https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/invasive-non-native-species-and-biosecurity-at-the-lakes or email invasives@swlakestrust.org.uk

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