SOUTH West Water (SWW) has been holding a series of events and activities aimed at raising awareness of invasive non-native species (INNS) and highlighting the importance of protecting rivers, reservoirs, natural habitats, and aquatic recreational activities.

INNS are species which are introduced intentionally or accidentally outside their natural distribution, which then threaten native species, ecosystems, and the economy.

Figures show the impacts of INNS are estimated to cost the UK more than £4 billion a year and are recognised as a problem for water companies.

SWW has been working closely during the national invasive species week with partners including South West Lakes Trust (SWLT) and local community groups to shine a light on the steps people can take to help prevent the spread of harmful INNS species and safeguard the region’s biodiversity.

Nearly 100 people were welcomed to a South West Invasive Species Forum (SWISF) which included dedicated workshops on American mink eradication and the strategic reintroduction of water voles in the Westcountry.

Water voles are considered ‘ecosystem engineers’ as they help to manage waterways by foraging and burrowing to increase biodiversity.

The forum also featured talks on managing INNS in island ecosystems as well as threats posed by marine species, and people were asked to be aware of the growing risk from the yellow-legged Asian hornet.

SWW staff also went out into local communities to spread the word about INNS and encourage people to protect natural habitats.

Biosecurity and invasive non-native species manager Kate Hills said: “Invasive species week is a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we work together.

“Across the South West, we have seen brilliant examples of collaboration from scientific workshops to fun, hands-on events that help people understand why tackling invasive species matters and the reception we have had when we are out and about has been absolutely fantastic.

“Every action, big or small, contributes to protecting our ecosystems and the biodiversity that makes this region so special.”

SWLT head of environment Nicola Morris said: "Not only is invasive species week a great way to highlight the impacts invasive species cause and how we can all prevent their spread, but it is also a fantastic way to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteers.

“Our volunteer site guardians work closely with our team to monitor the lakes, reporting any unexpected species and they help us to manage our sites, too.

“We are hugely grateful to them for all they do.”

One fly fishing association held a fly-tying evening with a twist using American signal crayfish as inspiration for their flies, which sparked valuable conversations about the impacts of INNS on native species and freshwater ecosystems.

At another event, a member of staff even dressed as a crayfish to help spark public interest in biosecurity measures, particularly those targeting invasive crayfish species.

Later, more than 40 visitors took part in an INNS awareness trail hosted by the South West Lakes Trust to bring the community closer to the challenge of tackling invasive species.