South Cumbria Rivers Trust have collaborated with The University of Cumbria on an exciting commission of MSc research. This one-year part funded project by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will put a spotlight on Cumbria and factors affecting and contributing to changes in the environment.

Lucy Stevens, an MSc Eco-System Services Evaluation student, was successfully awarded the project with SCRT, with the research focus on Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS). INNS are fast spreading, non-native species that cause damage to the economy, health and the environment. The research will focus on identifying pathways for contamination, identifying risk factors and analysing current awareness levels.

Lucy has said, “I hope the information I gather can be used to pinpoint areas of non-native invasive species and help prevent their spread.” The project will range from working with a range of different clubs and groups to gather crucial information about the spread of INNS and how to better control it, in order to improve water quality in South Cumbria.

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