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17 October 2011
The Environment Agency, Natural England and DEFRA are amongst contributors who have made this Initiative possible. A number of freshwater invasive non-native species have been identified within Cumbria and a strategic approach to controlling and eradicating them is being developed by the Initiative Coordinator Bekka Close who is hosted by South Cumbria Rivers Trust.
It is one of two pilot schemes and has the support of many organisations throughout Cumbria. Invasive non-native species can cause real harm to our native plants and animals and damage our fragile freshwater systems. As the local economy benefits enormously from the diverse and fantastic wildlife found here, it is vital that we work together to control those invasive species already present and prevent the arrival of any new invaders in order to help safeguard Cumbria’s prosperity.
Aims and Objectives
- Education and awareness raising
- Horizon scanning- identification of species of concern not currently in the county and action to control species that are present but not yet problematic.
- Control and management of existing established invasive species
- Monitoring, mapping and reporting of existing infestations
- Eradication of existing invasive species where possible. Control where eradication is impractical
- Liason with organisations within and outside Cumbria to improve risk-management, monitoring and reporting methodologies and provide local information within a national perspective.
- Develop a Biosecurity plan for Cumbria.
Two Forums were held in 2007 and 2008 and were reported on by Atkins. To access these reports, please click on the below:
