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Protecting Buttermere
Buttermere is the last prestine lake in the northern Lake District and it's important that we do our part to protect it. We will be implementing biosecurity measures at the festival. Please ensure that any kit (bathing suits, wet suits, buoyancy aids, water shoes etc) have been thoroughly checked, cleaned and dried before arriving at the event. We will have a wash station on site.
What is Biosecurity?
Biosecurity means taking action in order to minimise the introduction or spread of invasive non native species and diseases.
What are Invasive Non-Native Species?
Invasive non-native species (INNS) are those that have been transported outside of their natural
range and that can damage our environment, the economy, our health and the way we live. Impacts
of INNS are so significant, they are considered to be one of the greatest threats to biodiversity
worldwide. They threaten the survival of rare native species, damage sensitive ecosystems and
habitats and cost the British economy approximately £1.7 billion every year.
Why should we worry?
The freshwater resources of Cumbria – its many tarns, lakes, rivers and becks – are of great ecological and economic significance. We love spending time in and on them so protecting them is something we all need to take responsibility for.
Freshwater INNS are able to ‘hitchhike’ on our equipment, footwear, clothing and boats. When we move to a new river, tarn or lake, a species may be transferred and may become established, often having devastating effects.
What can be done?
You are an essential partner in helping us protect Cumbria. Given the devastating ecological consequences and high costs for control, the emphasis needs to be on preventing the introduction and spread through biosecurity measures before they become established.
Please arrive at the festival with all kit clean and dry. A cleaning station will be also be available on site.
Biosecurity measures are simple and inexpensive. Please help us protect our incredible freshwaters we love to spend time in.
There are three simple steps to follow in order to prevent the spread or introduction of any new INNS:
Check
Check all equipment for living organisms. Pay particular attention to areas that are damp or hard to inspect.
Clean
Clean and wash all equipment with tap water. Ensure that all washings are contained and disposed of onto a surface (such as gravel / hard-standing / grass) where it can be dried out and not able to enter any watercourse or drainage system.
Dry
Equipment and clothing needs to be dry to the touch as some species can live for many days in damp conditions.
More info can be found at: https://www.nonnativespecies.org/
"Remember, it only takes one hitchhiker
to start an invasion"
