About the event

Invasive Non-Native Species have a huge impact on our native wildlife – in fact some research suggests they are the second largest cause of biodiversity decline after habitat loss. In the UK there are hundreds of species that pose a risk to native wildlife and so beginning to understand the threat they pose can be daunting.

 During this event you will be taught to identify some of the most common INNS species we have in Leeds, and then go and see some of them in the wild. 

Although we will cover some animals during the day, there will be a focus on plants as these species are easy to see and valuable to record. 

Disclaimer – this course will be pitched at a very beginner level so if you are not a hardened ecologist do not fret! Similarly, if you are more familiar with Invasive Species but want a refresher this might be useful for you as well.

9:45-10:00 – Arrive at the Meanwood Institute – refreshments will be available

10:00-12:30 – ID Training

12:30-13:15 – Lunch (not provided, please bring a packed lunch)

13:15-14:30 – Practice surveying around Meanwood Park

INNS Mapper – we will be talking about and using INNS Mapper for the surveying. INNS Mapper is a free app for iPhone and Android (available on the Apple Store and Google Play) that brings together conservation professionals, local action groups, and the general public to begin to map and manage INNS across the UK. It is a tool we use for our work and we are using it in Leeds to coordinate efforts to manage INNS amongst everyone. If you can, please can you download it prior to coming as there is no guarantee the wifi will play ball.

Biosecurity -  as we will cover, biosecurity is one of the best things we can all do to help prevent the spread of INNS so we will be washing down shoes at the end of the walk.