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Invasive aquatic species

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Some pond plants can smother our native plants, clog our waterways, worsen flooding and harm fish. Find out what you can do to help.

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Some water plants and animals from abroad can be harmful to British waterways. You can help stop the spread: check, clean and dry equipment when leaving the water.

Why are invasive aquatic species a problem?

Our plants, animals and ecosystems can be damaged by the spread of invasive species from abroad. These species can:

  • block waterways;
  • spread disease; and
  • devastate local plant and wildlife.

If you are a water user, you may be helping to spread them from one water body to another in equipment, shoes and clothing.

You can help stop this happening by:

  • check;
  • clean; and
  • dry equipment before leaving the water.  

A poster that gives more details is available at the bottom of this page.

More information is available on the Direct Gov website.

Visit: Stop the spread of invasive aquatic species (external link)

Document Download

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Invasive aquatic species poster File Size: (210.29 KB)