INNS Out Scheme

Preventing the introduction and spread of Invasive Non Native Species (INNS)

INNS Out is a programme to support partnership projects that work towards preventing the introduction and spread of INNS especially where they have a detrimental impact on waterbodies or designated sites.

Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) are species that have been introduced by people (deliberately or accidentally) and are having a negative impact on the economy, wildlife and/or habitats. INNS threaten native species by spreading harmful diseases, out-competing for resources, or damaging a natural ecosystem.

We are committed to protecting and enhancing the species and habitats on our sites and across our operational area. As part of this commitment, we have set up the INNS Out scheme to support projects which prevent the introduction or spread of INNS where such projects will prevent the deterioration of a waterbody or reduce the threat to an environmentally designated site.

The purpose of the scheme is to enable local organisations, community groups or individuals from the public, private, voluntary and education sectors to address INNS risks within the catchments where we operate. Multi-stakeholder applications are also encouraged as combining interests, resources and capabilities will improve environmental outcomes. If you, or your organisation, are involved in a project that are trying to tackle invasive non native species, then the INNS Out scheme might be able to help you.

Deadline for applications is 5pm on 31 December 2021

What are we doing?

We are looking to support projects that are:

• Preventing the introduction and/or spread of INNS.
• In an environmentally designated site or along a waterbody within the Affinity Water operational area. To check if your project is within the Affinity Water Supply area, please check using our postcode finder.
• Contributing towards achieving Water Framework Directive objectives. To check the WFD status of your waterbody click here.
• Asking for funding support up to £5000 for standard projects and up to £10,000 for catchment wide schemes or
• Asking for volunteer support of up to 10 people-days from the Affinity Water volunteer network (e.g. 5 Affinity Water staff attending 2 volunteer days for your project)

Examples of potential projects could be:

• Volunteers required for a ‘Balsam Bashing’ event (or similar).
• Help in organising volunteer events.
• Educational resources or training to identify and treat INNS.
• Equipment for INNS treatment and removal.
• Biosecurity initiatives to stop the introduction/spread of INNS. For example, signage and biosecurity infrastructure.
• Costs associated with the control, treatment, and removal of INNS
• Training for INNS treatment such as the spraying of Japanese Knotweed.

What can I apply for:

Please see the table below for suggestions of how much funding could be awarded for different types of projects. These amounts are just suggestions for guidance purposes, you may apply for more but please be aware that we may not be able to award complete funding if your application is successful.

We will not be looking to fund projects that involve:

• Survey only projects
• Research projects
• The creation of apps

How to apply

Applications open 1 November 2021