Invasive Species Week 2016! 

It's day one of Invasive Species Week (29 February - 6 March) and we're raising awareness about harmful effects of alien species...

From 29 February to 6 March 2016, we're working closely with organisations across Britain to raise awareness of invasive non-native species and prevent their spread.

What's the risk?

Invasive species can have a damaging impact on British plants, animals and ecosystems - by spreading disease, competing for habitat and food and direct predation.

Plants that grow profusely can block waterways while some animals can damage riverbanks , so they also affect economic uses of our environment and add significant management costs.

As a water user, you may unknowingly be helping to spread invasive species from one water body to another in equipment, shoes and clothing.

Don't miss our handy round up of what’s going on as part of the 2016 Invasive Species Week!

You can also keep up to date on Twitter by searching for #InvasivesWeek.

What's happening during Invasive Species Week 2016?

29 February – Welcome to Invasive Species Week!

Keep an eye on the @CheckCleanDryGB Twitter page to find out about more about the problem and what you can do to help. Take the free biosecurity e-learning module to learn about how to avoid spreading invasive non-native species, and you could win a copy of the Field Guide to Invasive Plants & Animals in Britain!

1 March – Celebrating five years of Check Clean Dry!

The Check Clean Dry campaign is five years old! To celebrate we’re dedicating today to aquatic biosecurity and asking everyone to make a 'biosecurity pledge'. Stay tuned to find out what you can do to reduce your risk of spreading invasive non-native species.

2 March – Will you join a Local Action Group?

Local Action Groups across Britain are giving their time to help prevent the harmful impacts of invasive non-native species by carrying out practical management, raising awareness and educating people about how to stop them spreading. We’ll be highlighting some of their fantastic work and asking you to #getINNSvolved.

3 March – Junior Invasive Species Heroes!

Today we celebrate some of our younger invasive non-native species heroes! Look out for some weird and wonderful entries to the design an invasive species challenge.

4 March – Find out what our partners have been doing!

We're working with some fantastic partner organisations to raise awareness and tackle the threat posed by invasive non-native species and prevent their harmful impacts. 

5-6 March – Visit The Green Blue stand at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show!

Exhibiting in the Panorama Hall at Alexandra Palace, London, The Green Blue team will challenge the show’s younger visitors to help stop the spread by attempting to remove as many alien species as they can from a sailing dinghy – in the shortest time possible. The competitor with the fastest time each day wins a prize!

How can I get involved?

If you're inspired by the great work going on to prevent invasive non-native species from spreading and reduce the impacts of those which already have, why not get involved and make a biosecurity pledge to:

• Help stop the spread of invasive plants and animals in British waters - join a Local Action Group on invasive non-native species
• Access the free online training to learn more about invasive non-native species, how to identify them, and how you can prevent them from spreading
• Become a Check Clean Dry champion and contact The Green Blue for free materials you can share with other members of your Club to raise awareness
• Visit the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show to meet The Green Blue team and take our alien species challenge!