INNS Mapper: Year One Impact Report & Looking Ahead
As we enter 2025, it's a good time for ecologists to take stock of the past year and plan their strategies for tackling invasive species. The INNS Mapper app has proven to be a valuable tool in this effort, and we're happy to be able to share some highlights from its first year.
INNS Mapper is a user-friendly mobile app and website to facilitate the reporting and management of invasive non-native species. It was developed by the Natural Apptitude team in collaboration with a group of key organisations including Yorkshire Water, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, North Wales Wildlife Trust, GB Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) and the National Biodiversity Network.
In a recent report, Yorkshire Water outlined the impressive results achieved by INNS Mapper in its inaugural year:
- 1945 new registered users
- 17,670 new records (16,435 sightings, 392 surveys, 843 management)
A diverse range of stakeholders played a vital role in the success of INNS Mapper's first year including Wildlife Trusts, Rivers Trusts, water companies, the Environment Agency, British Canoeing, Angling Trust, NBN Trust and Natural Resources Wales.
Integration with AQUA Biosecurity Accreditation Scheme
INNS Mapper has been included into the AQUA biosecurity accreditation scheme as a form of reporting sightings, surveys and management for a site/group to achieve and maintenance AQUA accreditation. This further strengthens INNS Mapper's role in promoting best practices for biosecurity and INNS management.
“INNS Mapper is an easy way for people to report sightings, surveys and management of invasive non-native species in England, Wales and Scotland. The ability to record management alongside sightings and surveys allows for the dissemination and coordination of INNS management across catchments and regions.”
Dr Steph Bradbeer, Invasive Species and Biosecurity Ecologist at Yorkshire Water
Looking ahead
INNS Mapper has proven to be a valuable tool in the fight against INNS. Its success is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of engaging a wide range of stakeholders in conservation efforts. Thank you to everyone who is tackling INNS and adding your records to INNS Mapper. If you have any feedback on INNS Mapper, please contact invasives@ywt.org.uk.
If you would like to find out more or download the app, head to the INNS Mapper website.