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Check, Clean, Dry – simple steps for wildfowlers to protect wetlands

As part of Invasive Species Week 2026, BASC wildfowling advisor Chris Wright explains why adopted the Check, Clean, Dry approach can help to protect wetland habitats.

Why wetlands need our help

Wildfowlers spend more time than most in and around wetland habitats, putting them in a strong position to help prevent the spread of invasive non-native species and aquatic diseases. 

Wetlands are among the most important habitats in the UK, supporting a wide variety of wildlife and vegetation while providing opportunities to harvest wildfowl, either inland or on the foreshore, alongside many other recreational activities. However, these environments are extremely sensitive and increasingly under threat from invasive non-native species and aquatic diseases that can spread rapidly between sites.

For those of us who harvest wildfowl, it is common to move among sites such as estuaries, rivers, etc. While these shooting opportunities are a great privilege, they also bring a responsibility to minimise the risk of accidentally transporting invasive species from one location to another. 

A simple yet highly effective way to do this is to follow the Check, Clean, Dry approach – a practice used by many people who spend time around water.

wildfowling equipment

Why biosecurity matters

Many invasive species and diseases can survive unnoticed on equipment, clothing, boats and even vehicles. 

Tiny fragments of plant material or microscopic organisms can establish themselves in a new location and cause significant environmental damage.

What are the key risks?

Invasive aquatic plants

Species such as floating pennywort and New Zealand pygmyweed can spread from tiny fragments attached to boots, waders, trailers, boats and other watercraft.

Once established, they can quickly dominate waterways, reducing biodiversity and impacting habitat quality for wildlife.

Aquatic diseases

Diseases affecting fish, amphibians and other aquatic wildlife can also be transferred between sites through contaminated water, mud and equipment.

Preventing their spread is essential for maintaining healthy wetland ecosystems.

American mink

Although mink are unlikely to be transported directly by us – unless one happens to hitch a ride in your boat or trailer on the journey home – as a wildfowler you can play an important role in monitoring and controlling their spread. Mink are highly motivated predators that can devastate populations of water voles and ground-nesting birds.

Wildfowling clubs across the UK actively monitor the species and take action where they are causing problems.

 

Zebra and quagga mussels

These invasive mussels are particularly problematic because they can attach themselves to boats, trailers and equipment such as decoys.

Their larvae are microscopic and can survive in small amounts of water trapped within equipment.

They can clog waterways, damage infrastructure and outcompete native species.

What does Check, Clean, Dry actually mean?

Most people have heard of the ‘Stop, Drop, Roll’ approach if clothing catches fire. Check, Clean, Dry should become just as familiar whenever you leave a wetland site and before visiting another.

Check

Before leaving a site, remember to inspect all equipment and clothing. 

Pay particular attention to:

  • Waders and boots
  • Clothing
  • Decoy bags and nets
  • Boats, other watercraft and outboards
  • Boat trailers
  • Vehicles used near water
  • Dog coats and leads

Do not forget to check difficult areas such as boot treads, trailer rollers, anchor lines and decoy bags where vegetation can easily become trapped. Other places worth checking include gun slips, slings, cartridges and flasks.

Clean

Clean all equipment as soon as possible after use. Even small amounts can contain invasive species or diseases.

Wash off mud, vegetation and debris using clean water. Where practical, use hot water, particularly on boats and equipment that have been in direct contact with water.

Remember to thoroughly clean dogs – rinse muddy paws, legs and coats after working in wetlands. 

Clean all areas on boats, small watercraft and trailers that have come into contact with water. Drain any water from the boat before transport.

Dry

Many invasive species and disease organisms require moisture to survive. After cleaning, allow equipment to dry completely before using it again.

Where possible, leave equipment to dry for as long as practical, paying particular attention to areas that retain water. Drain boats and other watercraft, remove bungs and empty any containers that may hold water. Waders, decoys and decoy bags should be dried thoroughly inside and out.

If complete drying is not possible before visiting another wetland, take extra care to ensure equipment has been thoroughly cleaned.

You are part of the solution

As a wildfowler, you will likely spend a significant amount of time in and around wetlands throughout the year, both during the shooting season and while carrying out conservation work throughout the rest of the year. This places us in a unique position to help protect these valuable habitats.

By adopting good biosecurity practices, reporting sightings of invasive species and supporting management efforts where appropriate, we can help reduce the spread of invasive non-native species and aquatic diseases.

The Check, Clean, Dry process only takes a few extra minutes at the end of a flight, but it can make a significant difference to the health of our wetlands and the wildlife that depends on them.

Protecting what we do means protecting the habitats we rely on. The next time you leave the marsh, loch, lough or pond, take the time to Check, Clean and Dry your kit. 

GB non-native species secretariat has all the information you need to stay informed about invasive non-native species, latest alerts and updates, as well as plenty of resources you can use to help stop the spread.

Images by: Callum McInerney-Riley

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Chris Wright

Lancashire born and bred, Chris is BASC’s wildfowling advisor. Now calling Monmouthshire home, Chris exemplifies an unyielding interest and dedication to field sports, with a particular focus on the exhilarating pursuit of wildfowl along the nation’s coastline.