Be a citizen scientist and stop the spread of invasive species in Britain
Experts
think there are currently around 2000 plus non-native species in Britain. Some
of these will threaten the country's native flora and fauna. The problem of
invasive species is now considered by environmental scientists as serious as
climate change when it comes to threats against biodiversity.
The
Observer Ethical awards have teamed up with the University of Hull to help
record data on invasive species, so that scientists can monitor their spread
and their effect on their local environment. The list of Britain's top 10
unwanted non-native invasive species is listed below. Over the next few months
we're asking you to keep an eye out for these species and to photograph and
catalogue whenever you can, sending this vital data off to the organisations
listed in each box.
You can
send data through to the websites listed at any point during the next 12
months. We're looking for a simple record of your species sighting, starting
with its location. In an email tell the experts where you spotted it and any
other information, including a basic assessment of the habitat - did you see
the species indoors, in an urban garden, or in woodland? Wherever possible take
a photo, with your phone if you wish, and email that, too. Your data will help
scientists build up an unprecedented picture of invasive species and help them
to protect our biodiversity.
Read more
about the fight against invasive species, and how your data will help, here.
