Resources & Guidance / Protecting our environment

PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT

As paddlers we have a responsibility to help preserve our beautiful Welsh rivers, lakes and coastline.

One of the biggest threats to the waterways of Wales is invasive species.

Invasive Species

Invasive species can be a plant or animal and all can have disastrous effects on the waterways of Wales.

The easy way for paddlers to play their part in containing any transfer is to:

CHECK your equipment and clothing for live organisms - particularly in areas that are damp or hard to inspect
CLEAN and wash all equipment, footwear and clothing thoroughly. If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found them
DRY all equipment and clothing - some species can live for many days in moist conditions. Make sure you don’t transfer water elsewhere

Canoe Wales and British Canoeing have produced the poster below for use at access points - but it's important for all paddlers to be aware of the actions you can take to help prevent the spread of invasive species.