By getting involved in initiatives such as the Marine Champion network and the Lyn Padarn project, BSAC clubs are playing a key role in the management of invasive species in our waterways.
And members can now build their knowledge even more as part of Invasive Species Week 2026, organised by the GB Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS).
Invasive Species Week is an annual event to raise awareness of invasive non-native species and how everyone can help prevent their spread. Both plants and animals, invasive non-native species are a real threat to the UK’s natural ecosystem and, according to the NNSS, cost the economy nearly £2 billion a year. They can also pose a threat to our health and often interfere with activities we enjoy.
This year’s Invasive Species Week will run from 22 to 28 June and will feature a daily programme of webinars and presentations. The week will offer an informative, enlightening and practical guide to everyday ‘biosecurity’, how to help tackle the invasive species issue and prevent their spread. To participate, all you need to do is register for your chosen sessions online
Sessions on each day will focus on a different theme:
| Date | Theme |
| Mon 22 June | Welcome to Invasive Species Week! |
| Tue 23 June | Volunteering and recording |
| Wed 24 June | Check Clean Dry |
| Thu 25 June | Be Plant Wise |
| Fri 26 June | Responsible pet ownership |
| Sat 27 & Sun 28 June | Take part! |
There is also a special session on 24 June, in conjunction with Natural England, which specifically focuses on marine non-native species and what we can do to help prevent their spread.
Members are also being encouraged to ‘get practical’ as part of the event by participating in or planning activities that can help tackle invasive species. This, says BSAC CEO Mary Tetley could be as simple as checking the club RIB for signs of contamination to taking part in an organised event, such as the Lyn Padarn project:
The Invasive Species Week is a great way to learn more about the impact of non-native species in the UK. It also provides fantastic guidance and free training to help you and your club raise awareness of the issue and help prevent the spread of non-invasive species in our waters.
For more information on this year’s Invasive Species Week and to take part, go to the website.
