Starting in 2015, the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) launched the first Invasive Species Week. It brought together a range of organisations to raise awareness of invasive non-native species and inspire people to #GetINNSvolved and stop the spread. The fourth Invasive Species Week is coming on 23 – 29 March 2018.
The following events are proposed for this year’s week-long event:
Friday 23rd March
Launch of Invasive Species Week with an introduction to invasive non-native species (INNS) and their impacts, and information about the events taking place throughout the week.
Monday 26th March
Looking at ornamental plants and promoting Be Plant Wise by looking at invasive plants which were originally introduced into gardens.
Tuesday 27th March
Hitchhikers with information sharing on the ways that recreational water users, field workers and anyone out in the countryside can help to prevent the spread of INNS, in particular promoting Check Clean Dry.
Wednesday 28th March
Exotic pets by looking at some of the animals which have caused problems in the UK, and further afield, after being released into the wild, and promoting the Pet Code of Practice.
Thurs 29th March
#getINNSvolved is the hashtag for the NNSS and will be used on the last day of Invasive Species Week to look at the work of Local Action Groups and other organisations helping to tackle INNS, and encouraging others to take part.
NNSS will be highlighting some key species to be on the look out for, and promoting the free tools available to record sightings including the Asian Hornet Watch app, available from Google Play or the App Store.
The website can be freely accessed here
ACTION POINTS
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