Check, Clean, Dry ...

Help stop the spread of invasive plants and animals in British waters.

Invasive non-native species can have a damaging impact on British plants, animals and ecosystems – by spreading disease, competing for habitat and food and direct predation.   

Plants that grow profusely can block waterways while some animals can damage riverbanks - so they also affect economic uses of our environment and add significant management costs.

As a water user, you may unknowingly be helping to spread invasive species from one water body to another in equipment, shoes and clothing.   

Help stop this happening by following three simple steps: Check, Clean, Dry.  

Find out why invasive species are a problem
Invasive species to look out for



You can help protect the water sports you love by following three simple steps when you leave the water




•  Check your equipment and clothing for living organisms.

•  Pay particular attention to areas that are damp or hard to inspect.

•   Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly.

•   If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the water body where you found them.

•  Dry all equipment and clothing – some species can live for many days in moist conditions.

•  Make sure you don’t transfer water elsewhere.


More advice on helping to stop the spread
Get involved in the Check, Clean, Dry campaign