The Wales Resilient Ecological Network (WaREN) will establish a framework for tackling invasive species across Wales. We will develop linkages between stakeholders who are taking action on invasive species, with existing projects such as the Our River Wellbeing project on the river Dee and Local Action Groups in Wales. Local Action Groups focus on reducing the risks and impacts of invasive species in their local area, for example through direct management.
Wales Resilient Ecological Network Project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
WaREN will also increase public engagement to raise awareness of invasive species through effective science communication and sharing best practice.
“As part of our work to tackle invasive species WaREN teamed up with ‘Stand for Nature Wales’ at the National Eisteddfod to promote our Ecosystems Invaders campaign and raise awareness of invasive species and their impacts in Wales. To find out what we got up to and how you can get involved, visit the WaREN Website”
Said Jess and Gareth, the Project Officers for the Wales Resilient Ecological Network (WaREN).
Located in the Science Village, WaREN promoted its Ecosystem Invaders (web link) campaign with an aim of increasing awareness of invasive species and their impacts in Wales. During the campaign we’ve promoted ‘Be Plant Wise’ and ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ but also developed our own campaign materials including leaflets, explainer clips, weekly quizzes and bilingual ‘top trumps’.
What is the Ecosystem Invaders campaign?
“Ecosystem invaders is our campaign to raise awareness of invasive species, which are non-native species that negatively impact our environment, and their impacts. You’re probably thinking that doesn’t sound very difficult, but in reality it can be very hard to engage people with a topic that they know little about and may think is not very important.”
Find out more here.