Important new publication highlights key advice on what can be done to combat the spread of plants and animals alien to Ireland, that damage our native flora and fauna

An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland is delighted to announce the publication of the latest educational booklet in their highly successful Nature’s Way series, entitled “Nature’s Way - Invasive Species”. This fun and informative 16 page booklet deals with the threat of invasive species and addresses some of the challenges associated with them. The booklet is charming and accessible, with vibrant illustrations featuring many of Ireland’s invasive species, as well as clear and engaging text explaining the issues.

The booklet highlights the very real threat posed by invasive species in Ireland, and suggests positive actions the public can take as well as encouraging further exploration of the subject. The cartoons and illustrations, which are entertaining as well as informative, help to make the booklet an ideal educational tool, complementing An Taisce’s Green Schools programme. An Taisce hopes that the booklet will encourage further public engagement with this vital subject.

The topics covered include:

How invasive species got to Ireland Ecological and economic impacts Established threats Potential threats What you can do There are many simple steps people can take to help tackle the threat of invasive species. Some advice includes: try and choose native Irish plants over alien species and don’t be afraid to inquire whether plants on display are native. If you discover that a plant you have bought is actually an invasive species, follow good practice advice to dispose of it in the correct way. Management tips can be found on the Invasive Species Ireland website. If work, fishing, or other leisure pursuits see you travel between watercourses, best practice is to clean and dry your wellington boots and other equipment in order to minimise the spread of invasive species."

Earlier editions of Nature’s Way have covered topics as diverse as: Biodiversity and Ecosystems in Ireland; The Wonder of Peatlands; and Pollinators in Ireland. To request hard copies of Nature’s Way booklets, please e-mail: [email protected].

An Taisce is an environmental charity and gratefully acknowledges funding for the Nature’s Way series of booklets, generously provided by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Irish Environmental Network’s biodiversity fund. Thanks are also due to Ross Stewart of Cartoon Saloon for his beautiful illustrations and Persuasion Republic for their excellent design work.

ENDS

For further information, please call:

Charles Stanley-Smith, An Taisce Communications – Tel: 087 2411995

Andrew Jackson / Roisin Kearney, An Taisce's Natural Environment Office – Tel: 01 7077063

Email: [email protected]

An Taisce The National Trust for Ireland