Don’t Pack a Pest: New campaign launched to protect the Lake District’s iconic waters

Water users urged to Check, Clean and Dry their kit to protect iconic waters

A new campaign launches this week to combat the growing threat of invasive species in Cumbria’s lakes and rivers.

‘Don’t Pack a Pest – Protect our Lakes’ urges anyone enjoying the outdoors to adopt a simple but powerful habit: Check, Clean, Dry. By cleaning their boots, boats and kit between visits, people can help stop the silent spread of invasive non-native species (INNS).

INNS are already damaging some of our most loved waters – smothering aquatic life, harming native wildlife, and even making lakes unfit for swimming or paddling. Yet many people don’t realise how easily these invaders can spread. A single trip between two lakes with damp gear or unwashed kit is all it takes to transport a harmful species.

The campaign is being led by West Cumbria Rivers Trust, Eden Rivers Trust and South Cumbria Rivers Trust, working together on a one-year, UK Government-funded project that will help shape a long-term lake biosecurity strategy for the region.

“Our lakes and rivers are hugely important – not just for wildlife, but for people’s health, recreation and wellbeing,” said a spokesperson for the three Trusts. “But invasive species are putting that at risk. The good news is, everyone can help stop them. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it makes a real difference.”

A growing threat

According to the GB Non-native Species Secretariat, there are 3,343 non-native species recorded in Great Britain, with 2,074 established in the wild. Of these, 195 species are classed as invasive, meaning they cause environmental, economic or social harm. One study likened the economic impact of invasive species as comparable to those of natural disasters.

Climate change is worsening the threat, with warmer winters and heavier rainfall helping invasive plants and animals survive and spread.

Outdoor activities like wild swimming, paddleboarding, fishing and hiking can unintentionally move species between waterbodies, with invasive hitchhikers clinging to kit, clothing, or even dogs’ paws.

In parts of Ireland, invasive weeds have made lakes unusable for recreation. The new campaign aims to ensure that never happens in the Lake District.

Taking action

Through signage, events and digital outreach, Don’t Pack a Pest will raise awareness, engage new audiences and help people take action. The campaign will also trial new tools and tactics to reduce the spread of INNS and inform Cumbria’s long-term response.

All 16 lakes in the project area lie within the Lake District National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and many are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or Special Areas of Conservation (SACs).

“Prevention is our best and only real line of defence. If we act now, we can protect these globally important waters for future generations.”

How you can help

Check, Clean, Dry is the national best-practice approach for stopping the spread of INNS.

• Check your kit, clothing and footwear for any plant fragments, animals or mud.

• Clean it thoroughly with water.

• Dry it completely before visiting another river or lake – as some species can survive for weeks in damp conditions.

To find out more, and help protect Cumbria’s lakes, visit www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/dont-pack-a-pest or follow your local Rivers Trust on social media.