SOUTH West Water marked Invasive Species Week 2025 with a series of events and activities across the region.

The events were aimed at raising awareness of invasive non-native species (INNS) and highlighting the importance of protecting our rivers, reservoirs, natural habitats and aquatic recreational activities.

INNS are species that are introduced, intentionally or accidentally, outside their natural distribution, which threaten native species, our ecosystems and our economy.

Figures show the impacts of INNS are estimated to cost the UK more than £4bn a year and are recognised as a problem for water companies.

Working closely with partners including South West Lakes Trust and local community groups, South West Water took the opportunity to shine a light on the steps everyone can take to help prevent the spread of harmful INNS species and safeguard the region’s biodiversity.

A major highlight of the week was the annual South West Invasive Species Forum (SWISF) at Roadford Lake Conference Centre in Devon, which welcomed nearly 100 attendees.

Organised by Laura Dee from South West Lakes Trust and co-hosted by Kate Hills from South West Water and Nicola Morris from the Trust, the forum included a dedicated workshop on American mink eradication and the strategic reintroduction of water voles in the South West.

Water voles are ecosystem engineers as they help to manage waterways by foraging and burrowing to increase biodiversity.

Forum attendees also heard talks on managing INNS in island ecosystems as well as threats posed by marine species and were asked to be aware of the growing risk from the yellow-legged Asian hornet.

Staff from South West Water also went out into the community during the week to spread the word about INNS and encourage people to protect natural habitats.