D7. 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. 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: 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) Progress: The Yorkshire Dales Invasive Non-Native Species Steering Group has identified an initial list of around 20 species that meet criteria set to be regarded as priorities for action. Further work will be carried out in 2020 to identify a shorter, more manageable list of species where coordinated action would produce the best results.
