Biosecurity
Ensuring good practice to reduce the risk of introducing and spreading invasive non-native species within your environment.
The problem
Invasive species which cause harm to our environment can easily spread on equipment and clothing. Once established in an area invasive species can be very difficult and expensive to control. Early detection and prevention are very important ensuring that new invasive species are not introduced and those that are already here do not spread further. Carrying out good practice biosecurity plays an important role in both early detection and prevention.
What can you do to carry out biosecurity in day to day life?
1. Follow the check, clean, dry campaign to reduce the risk of introducing and spreading invasive species within your environment.
Check your gear (equipment and clothing) for animals and plant material at the end of an activity. Remove anything you find and leave it at the site.
Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can, paying attention to areas that are damp or hard to access on your equipment (particularly the soles of your shoes). Use hot water if possible.
Dry everything for as long as possible before using elsewhere as some invasive plant and animals can survive for two weeks in damp conditions.
Check clean dry can be applied in all ways of life whether you are a dog walker, volunteer, farmer, work out in the field or you are regular user of the waterways (boat owner, Kayaker, canoeists, swimmer or angler).
To obtain more information on biosecurity (particularly for those who use the waterways) please visit the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat website.
2. Follow the Be Plant Wise campaign to reduce the spread on invasive plants on your land.
Most of us have plants in our gardens and ponds that are not native to Britain – they originally came from other parts of the world and have been introduced to Britain by people. While these non-native plants can help us to create beautiful ornamental displays to enjoy, if they escape into the wild some become invasive, harming our wildlife and environment, economy, and even our health and the way we live.
Know what you grow
Choose the right plants for your garden, pond and water features.
Stop the spread
Keep your plants in your garden – don’t plant them, or allow them to grow, in the wild.
Compost with care
Dispose of your unwanted plants, roots, weeds, seeds, and seed heads responsibly.
Biosecurity training
The Non Native Species Secretariat has developed a range of freely available e-learning modules to provide an introduction to non-native species, and how to identify them. Please follow the link to the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat's biosecurity training.
Contact details
Exmoor National Park Authority,
Exmoor House,
Dulverton,
Somerset, TA22 9HL
Tel: 01398 323665
Email: info@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
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