By Chris Story

Last updated at 14:15, Friday, 22 June 2012

Efforts are being stepped up to battle alien invaders threatening to wipe out some of north Cumbria’s native wildlife.

Action will be taken this summer to try to control the spread of species causing damage in rivers and along their banks.

Conservationists have released a list of Eden’s “most unwanted” that they want walkers and wildlife watchers to look out for.

They include the killer shrimp and American signal crayfish which can wipe out native animals in rivers, as well as plants such as the Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed.

Although the likes of the aquatic creatures are not yet in the area’s rivers, Eden Rivers Trust says it is vital everyone stays alert to the threat they pose. And members say the likes of anglers and people using the waterways for the kayaking can play a pivotal part in the fight to stop them being accidently introduced to the rivers.

Paul Greaves, invasive species officer at the trust, said: “We would like to remind everyone using waterways for recreation of the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ message. Please check, clean and dry your equipment before moving from one river or lake to another.

“Angling nets, kayaks, felt-soled waders, boats and wetsuits are all pieces of equipment that could transport unwanted “hitchhikers” in to the River Eden system.”

Japanese knotweed plants have long been one of the biggest pains for environmentalists in north Cumbria, growing along a string of riverbanks.

Stems of these species are to be injected with herbicides to kill them off.

Landowners, conservationists and volunteers are now working with the rivers trust to take action against the invasive plants, many of which can quickly overgrow.

Efforts this year will focus on controlling another of the major problems in Cumbria, Himalayan balsam.

Demonstration sites showing ways to tackle them have been set up at Ullswater, Lazonby, Armathwaite, Dalston and Carlisle.

Balsam control will also be extended up to the headwaters of affected rivers – with action including so-called Balsam bashing days.

Conservationists will start work at the furthest upstream point in a bid to stop it advancing.

Over time, environmentalists hope their work will mean the plant can be pushed back down river valleys.

Reports of invasive species should be emailed to invasives@EdenRT.org. They can also be recorded online at http://www.scrt.co.uk.

First published at 14:07, Friday, 22 June 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk