An invasive species is one that is "non-native" (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health, as defined by the National Invasive Species Information Centre.

DEFRA states: The campaign is aimed at all those that use the water for recreation and sport who can unwittingly spread non-native invasive species as they move between different bodies of water like rowing lakes. Individual organisms, eggs, larvae and plant fragments can be carried on equipment, clothing and footwear, DEFRA recommends all water users to take some simple steps to help prevent the infection of healthy waterways:

• Check 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.

To visit the DEFRA campaign please click here

For a copy of the Factsheets and poster for Check-Clean-Dry please click here.