The water company marked Invasive Species Week 2025 with a programme of events across the region, aimed at raising awareness of invasive non-native species (INNS) and their impact on rivers, reservoirs and natural habitats.
INNS are species introduced outside their natural range, either intentionally or by accident, and can cause significant harm to native wildlife, ecosystems and the economy.
Kate Hills, biosecurity and invasive non-native species manager at South West Water, said: “Invasive Species Week is a powerful reminder of the difference we can make when we work together.
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“Across the south west, we’ve 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’ve had when we’re 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.”
INNS are estimated to cost the UK more than £4 billion each year and represent an ongoing challenge for water companies.
South West Water partnered with South West Lakes Trust and community groups to promote public action to prevent the spread of invasive species.
A key event during the week was the annual South West Invasive Species Forum (SWISF), held at Roadford Lake Conference Centre in Devon and attended by nearly 100 people.
The forum featured a workshop focused on American mink eradication and the reintroduction of water voles in the South West.
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An American Signal Crayfish caught at Burrator. (Image: South West Water) Attendees also heard presentations on managing INNS in island environments, the impact of invasive marine species and the growing threat posed by the yellow-legged Asian hornet.
South West Water staff engaged with the public throughout the week.
In Cornwall, Ashley Bunning, the company’s invasive fish and aquatic biosecurity officer, joined the Siblyback Fly Fishers Association for a themed fly-tying evening, using American signal crayfish as inspiration and sparking discussions about invasive freshwater species.
In the east, Marcus Brown from South West Water and Gemma Morgan from Bournemouth Water hosted an awareness stall at Blashford Lakes.
Gemma dressed as a crayfish to draw attention to the risks posed by invasive crayfish and biosecurity.
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Nicola Morris, head of environment at South West Lakes Trust, 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.”