NOT weed! Biosecurity

Our interepid Frog Graham Round crew cleaning their kit when moving from lake to lake. Here’s why…

Biosecurity in the Lake District and beyond

Way back in 2016 we did our first crossing of the Lake District and got a stern letter about Bio Security from the National Trust.

The problem is New Zealand pygmyweed ( also known as Australian Swamp-stonecrop ) and it’s one of those nasty invasive species that spreads, grows and is hard to get rid of. Like Box Hedge Caterpillars or Japanese Knotweed in the garden. You don’t want it and you don’t want to be responsible for spreading it.

It’s a big problem in the Lake District but in truth any journey from one body of static water to another carries a risk. The sea and rivers where the water moves are less of an issue.

Check. Clean. Dry.

Essentially what you need to do if you are journeying from one body of water to another is:

Check, thoroughly, your swim costume, wetsuit and kit (RuckRaft, tow float) for any bit of what might be a weed or plant. And get rid of it before moving on.

Clean and wash your kit - clothes, kit, costumes, footwear. Given them a rinse. We often carry wet wipes on trips for all sorts of reasons and a good wipe and rinse can help. Looking in the cracks and crevices.

Dry. Make sure all your kit is dry before you get into the next body of water - most species need water, damp to survive so letting kit dry in the wind, sun as much as possible before moving on is a good idea.

Do all three.

Links to read

One of the most problematic routes is the epic and iconic Frog Graham Round. If you try and do this - well, you’re a lot hardier than we are. But their guide to Bio Security and what to do is excellent. And this link from Selkie Swim also explains things really nicely.

Know your routes and risks

As we say in our safety guide - preparation is key. You always need to research your route. And part of that can be looking at the biosecurity of the swims. Are there any risks and if so where can you rinse, wash and dry your kit - in the same way as you need to know the entry and exit points.

Having been aware of the issue of bio security in the lakes for a while - we’ve adjusted our routes to accomodate and reference the risks. We also recommend a local guide to go with you who will understand the issue and know where you can clean your gear in running water, streams.

The Buttermere Classic is OK - this route is in the only lakes that are clear of the weed. So this day out is absolutely fine. But obviously don’t journey there from other lakes without a check, clean and dry.

The Wordsworth Weekend - is one that has plenty of places to stop, rinse and wash gear in rivers, YHAs etc.

Ullswater Weekender - this is obviously in just one lake. So as long as you don’t arrive wet from another lake for the weekend. Then this should be fine also.

We hope that helps, please pass on.