West Cumbria Rivers Trust and the National Trust have issued an urgent appeal to locals and tourists visiting the picturesque Lake District to be on high alert for 'aliens' invading the area.
While this may conjure up images of extra-terrestrial creatures, they are actually referring to invasive non-native species (INNS) that are posing a major threat to the region's water ecosystems.
One particular alien species that is causing concern is the New Zealand Pigmyweed.
The plant can easily attach itself to clothing or equipment such as boats, paddleboards, wetsuits, and angling gear.
Adventure seekers who move from one waterway to another unknowingly carry these aliens with them, spreading them to previously unaffected areas.
New Zealand Pigmyweed can quickly establish itself and dominate the water, forming dense mats that deplete oxygen for other plants, fish and invertebrates, and restrict access for recreational water users.
This has already been observed in Bassenthwaite Lake, Derwent Water, and most recently in Crummock Water.
Buttermere is now the only lake in the Derwent catchment that remains untouched.
To ensure it stays that way, the West Cumbria Rivers Trust and the National Trust have joined forces to develop a control plan for New Zealand Pigmyweed in Crummock Water and raise awareness of INNS in Cumbria.
The organisations have outlined a set of simple steps for everyone to follow after exiting a waterbody.
Individuals should thoroughly check all clothing, footwear, and equipment, paying special attention to any crevices where plant fragments or living organisms may be hiding.
It is crucial to clean and wash all equipment on-site, leaving organisms and plant matter behind, or to wash on a hard surface away from a draining system.
Everything should be dried thoroughly before moving on to the next waterbody, as some species can survive for up to two weeks in damp conditions.
Izzie Mullin, WCRT’s Invasive Species Project Officer, said: “We want everyone in the Lake District to be able to enjoy our lakes, tarns and rivers, but we can only keep these fantastic natural resources accessible to people if they are in healthy conditions.
"We need the help of everyone who comes through our area to be aware of the issue and help us #SpreadTheWordNotTheWeed and prevent the introduction of new INNS.”
Joe Bagnall, the National Trust’s Riverlands Ranger, said: “The importance of a healthy and functional natural environment cannot be overstated for the benefit of all our well-being, therefore it is the National Trust’s goal to ensure that the fantastic lakes and rivers in our care are kept in healthy conditions allowing people to enjoy them forever.”
Locals are encouraged to play an active role in protecting the region's waters by becoming biosecurity guardians, looking out for any new introductions to Derwent Water.
Those interested in taking up this role can contact Izzie Mullin at izzie@westcumbriariverstrust.org for further information.
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