Get Involved

Written by Bekka Corrie-Close | 15 December 2011

There are so many ways that you can become involved and we are calling out for your help! As this is a county wide Initiative, we need local knowledge from local people.  Your help is invaluable so if you are interested in any of the below, please contact us for more information.

*Report an invasive non-native species

We need to know sites that have been invaded. We have a number of identification sheets available and if you come across any of these, please let us know! To submit a record, all you need to do is fill out this simple form. You play such an important role as we rely on you to keep watch. If you think you have found an invasive non-native species that should not be in Cumbria, follow these three steps:

1) Check the identification sheets to help you correctly ID what you have found

2) Be aware of Biosecurity- do not move it.

3) Report it

 *Surveying and mapping

If you can spare an hour or more, we need assistance in surveying and mapping invasive non-native species. This will involve walking along a water body, taking photographs of invasive species and recording them onto a map.

*Become a species advisor

We are looking for a number of individuals who would like to become an advisor for an invasive non-native species of their choice and provide information, guidance and advice throughout the county. You will need to have expert knowledge of the species and confidence in talking about it.

*Practical Control

We are also looking for people interested in practical control. Anybody can do this You will need to be physically fit as you will be carrying out activities such as pulling up Himalayan balsam and digging up American skunk cabbage. There are a small number of Local Action Groups throughout the county who carry out this work so if you are interested in joining one of these or setting up your own group, please contact us and we will advise you further. 

*PA6AW pesticide licence

We are also looking for individuals who have their PA6AW pesticide licence. Japanese knotweed is extremely difficult to control without the use of pesticides and contractors who can carry out this work are often very expensive and not local. If you have a current licence and would like to become involved in the Initiaive, please do contact us.

*Awareness raising

Education and raising awareness are key to the success of the Initiative. If you are confident at presenting or talking in public and would like to assist us at shows and events, please contact us.

*Local Action Groups

There are currently existing groups around the county working with invasive non-native species. To find out where your local group is, please contact the Coordinator.