Avon Invasive Weed Forum – Phase 3 10175/D

AIWF project is an extensive river health project utilising the ecological expertise of BZS and harnessing the power of local community groups to breathe life back to the River Avon. There are four phases of the project. This application is for Phase 3, to enhance the capacity of local communities as ‘Rapid Responders’ to new invasive non-native species threats and also conduct river health surveys. Phase 1 and 2, (a £117,000 project, funded by Defra, Bristol City Council, SITA Trust and Burgess Salmon), provided an officer to control and maintain 80km of river bank by establishing community action groups who were trained in invasive weed pulling and survey techniques. Phase 4, in conjunction with UK government agencies, will produce a National Action Guidance document detailing best practice to tackle existing and novel invasive non-native species (INNS).