A number of free events have been arranged for this year’s Invasive Species Week (16-22 May), to raise awareness of invasive non-native species.
Invasive Species Week is an initiative of the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). It is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of invasive non-native species across the British Isles, supported by a wide range of UK organisations.
The primary objective of Invasive Species Week is to raise awareness of the risk of invasive non-native species (INNS). A greater understanding of INNS will add to Jersey’s Biosecurity awareness, in turn helping to protect Jersey’s biodiversity by reducing the likelihood of accidental or intentional introduction of these species.
The week also helps to promote best practice guidance to groups that work with, and are affected by, invasive species, and to encourage volunteer uptake.
Invasive Species Officer, Isabelle Duggan, said: ‘We hope to build further community engagement and awareness of INNS. To protect Jersey’s wildlife for future generations, we need the support and help of the whole Island community.’
Over the course of the week local experts will deliver free talks and guided walks, culminating in an invasive species fair at the Frances Le Sueur Centre on Saturday 21 May, from 9:30am. Activities will encompass marine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats with emphasis on how native flora and fauna have been affected by invasive species.
For more information or to register for an event, please contact Isabelle Duggan i.duggan@gov.je or 01534 441674
