Support land managers to create more resilient landscapes through the development and implementation of strategies that reduce the risk and spread of invasive non-native species, and respond to threats from pests and diseases that threaten the environment of the National Park.
How are we doing on this objective
Progress: The Yorkshire Dales Invasive Non-Native Species Working Group continues to work on identifying priorities for action. There has been an EA-led survey of INNS on main rivers in the National Park and in 2021 that will be extended to tributaries of main rivers in order to establish where control and/or eradication measures are best targeted.
Rationale: Invasive non-native species, pests and diseases are one of the biggest threats to biodiversity worldwide, and to the biodiversity of the National Park. Current examples include: the impacts of chalara (ash dieback) on upland ash woodlands; the impacts of grey squirrel on red squirrel populations; the near-wiping out of native crayfish by American Signal crayfish; and the spread of Himalayan Balsam. Where practical, reducing and managing the potential impacts of invasive non-native species (through prevention of spread and strategic action) will assist in achieving many of the other objectives in this Plan.
Lead partner: Yorkshire Dales Biosecurity & INNS Working Group;
Supporting partners: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority; Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust; Ribble Rivers Trust; Environment Agency; Natural England; Yorkshire Water; Yorkshire Wildlife Trust; Forestry Commission; National Trust;
Further information: YDNPA – Invasive Species ‘Stop the spread’;
Cost over 5 years:
Funding shortfall:
Related objectives: A1; C1; C2; C3; F6
Ecosystem services: Biodiversity; Regulating pests; Genetic diversity; Climate regulation; Timber provision
Trade-offs: None
Baseline: No strategies in place. Ad hoc activity on some species (e.g. Japanese Knotweed)