Renowned wildlife filmmaker partners with South West Water to combat invasive species

South West Water has joined forces with professional wildlife filmmaker Jack Perks, celebrated for his work on notable programs such as Springwatch and David Attenborough's Wild Isles series.

The collaboration aims to investigate the presence of invasive non-native (INNS) species in the region's reservoirs, employing innovative underwater camera surveys.

Invasive non-native species (INNS) are a large and growing biosecurity threat to Great Britain, driven by increasing trade and movement of people.

Commissioning Jack Perks for the surveys, South West Water has utilised a pioneering approach to identify invasive species such as the American signal crayfish within the company's reservoir sites. These crayfish, known for their invasiveness, pose a significant threat to native wildlife.

Jack's cameras successfully pinpointed the elusive American signal crayfish at Roadford Reservoir in West Devon, surpassing the efficacy of previously employed methods.

In addition to tracking invasive species, the camera surveys offered valuable insights into the overall health and ecology of the reservoirs, recording various species, including ruffe, perch, rainbow trout, pike and eels.

The data gathered from these surveys will inform South West Water about potential biosecurity measures to control the spread of invasive species. Kate Hills, Biosecurity and Invasives Manager at South West Water, expressed delight in the collaboration, which demonstrates encouraging results and the method's efficacy in recording species.

Jack, sharing his experience, said: "I've been to some sites I'd never even heard of before, visiting remote and stunning lakes and getting a glimpse into what’s living in them." Beyond the surveys, Jack has engaged stakeholders through talks, raising awareness about invasive species and the crucial monitoring role played by South West Water.

Following the success of the trial, South West Water plans to expand the use of this innovative surveying technique in conjunction with traditional methods to study species distribution across their sites.

To further engage the public, South West Water will host a stand at The South West Fly Fair at Roadford Lake Café and Venue on Sunday, February 25, offering an opportunity for interested individuals to learn more about invasive species and the ongoing efforts to control them.