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Biosecurity

Biosecurity is about reducing the risk of introducing or spreading invasive non-native species (and other things like diseases) in the countryside.

What is Biosecurity?

Species and diseases can spread by hitchhiking on boat hulls, paddleboards, windsurf boards, fishing rods, bike tyres, walking boots, wellies, survey equipment, animal fur and even dog paws! When we visit a different place, these often-invisible or well hidden hitchhikers can be transferred and become established in a new location – sometimes with devastating effects.

Gardeners also need to practice good biosecurity to prevent plants spreading into the wild, dispose of garden plants safely and compost with care.

With good biosecurity routines we can all do our bit to reduce and minimise the spread of invasive species, pests and diseases, and stop the spread!

Learn More

What should you do?

Invasive species can be small and hard to spot so are easily spread on equipment and clothing. You can help protect the environment and activities you enjoy by keeping your kit free of invasive plants and animals. Make sure you arrive with clean, dry footwear and equipment and, before leaving the site, follow the 'Check, Clean, Dry' routine:

1) Check

Before leaving site - check your footwear, equipment, boat, and clothing for mud, aquatic animals or plant material (including seeds). Remove anything you find and leave it at the site. Drain any trapped water from inside kayaks and canoes.

2) Clean

Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can, paying attention to areas that are damp or hard to access. Use hot water if possible. Carry a basic biosecurity kit (brush, water, disinfectant) to help with this.

3) Dry

Dry everything for as long as you can before using elsewhere as some invasive plants and animals can survive for over two weeks in damp conditions.
A biosecurity blunder! The seeds on this car pose a real biosecurity risk and should be removed from the vehicle before leaving site.

Biosecurity and invasive plants

Invasive plants often spread by seeds or plant fragments – practicing good biosecurity can help to prevent this.

Seeds can be easily spread in equipment, machinery, animal fur, footwear and by vehicles. 

Arrive on site with clean, dry footwear and equipment and make sure you to follow the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ routine before leaving site – particularly if there are invasive non-native plants in the area!

Some plant species (notably Japanese knotweed, Himalayan knotweed and American skunk cabbage) can also spread by root fragments. This is why it is critical to follow appropriate management techniques for these species.

Never trim, strim or cut Japanese knotweed as the plants can regrow from roots and cut stems!

Biosecurity for activities

Anglers

Many aquatic invasive species and diseases are impossible to see and easily transferred from one water body to another on waders, rods, nets and boats. Follow the CHECK, CLEAN, DRY guidance for anglers, and ensure you are aware of which invasive species to watch out for. 

Download the Anglers Check Clean Dry leaflet

Sailors and Paddlers 

Invasive species or diseases can be spread in any water or material clinging to water sports equipment. Users of boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards etc. should take care to avoid moving invasive species or material between water bodies.

Follow the CHECK, CLEAN, DRY guidance for boat users or guidance for paddlers ensure boats, boards & trailers are cleaned, including removing biofouling from hulls before transfer to another site. Wetsuits, buoyancy aids and boots also need a good clean.

British Canoeing have put together handy video guides covering good biosecurity practices for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.

Download the Boating Check Clean Dry leaflet
Download the Canoe, Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Boarding Check Clean Dry leaflet

Event organisers

Outdoor event organisers can play a key part in improving biosecurity and protecting the environment. Participants should be asked to arrive at the event with their kit clean and dry. A cleaning station should be set up for those that arrive with damp or dirty kit and for use after the event.

Download the Scottish Event Biosecurity Support Pack

Walkers & mountain bikers

We love exploring the countryside but we need to take responsibility for being bio-secure.  As well as the risk of spreading aquatic organisms if walking near rivers, there is a risk of spreading tree pests and diseases.  Tree pests and diseases, can easily hitch a ride in mud and debris on shoes, paws and tyres, ending up in new forests. Read more about how you can Keep it Clean.

Gardeners & pond owners

Follow the Be Plant Wise guidance to ensure you don’t allow aquatic or garden plants to escape into the countryside and find out how to Compost with Care. Lots of advice is available to allow you to garden with native species alternatives.

Booklets to download:

River Biosecurity Plans

Many fishery and rivers board and trusts have a Biosecurity Management Plan which sets out ambitions to prevent the arrival, detect the presence and, when required, control aquatic, riparian and marine invasive non-native species and fish diseases within their river catchment(s).

Follow the link below to the River Biosecurity Plans prepared by our project partners.

Visit the River Biosecurity Plans page