Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS)
Mink Free Rivers
Our project’s main goal is to eradicate mink from West Cumbria. As an Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS), mink are causing serious harm to our waterways – threatening native wildlife and upsetting the delicate balance of our ecosystems. By working closely with local partners, we aim to protect and restore the rich diversity of wildlife along our rivers.
Tackling the Mink Problem
American mink (Neovison vison) have no natural predators in the UK, which allows them to dominate our waterways. They are aggressive hunters, killing not only for food but also for sport. This behaviour has caused a serious decline in native species, especially water voles, which are now rare and endangered across Cumbria.
Removing mink is essential - not just for the return of water voles, but also for protecting other wildlife like ground-nesting birds and fish that share the same habitats. By taking action, we can restore balance to our waterways and create a healthier environment for native species to thrive.
Our project focuses on eradicating mink from West Cumbria. To succeed, we’re working closely with local partners and stakeholders to create a clear strategy for a mink-free environment – essential for helping native wildlife recover and flourish.
Kuba, WCRT’s Mink Detection Dog
Protecting a special place
West Cumbria is home to some of the UK’s most treasured landscapes. 64% of the catchment falls within the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing multiple SSSIs and SACs. These sensitive important ecosystems need protecting, making mink eradication even more important.
West Cumbria Rivers Trust are undertaking this project with partners across Cumbria in line with the Cumbria Wide Mink Eradication Strategy. The project includes a mix of direct mink eradication, habitat management, and public awareness to ensure sustainable, long-term protection for West Cumbria’s precious wildlife.
By removing mink, we will create a safer environment for native species to thrive. Once the mink threat is removed, we hope to move to the next stage: reintroducing water voles and restoring a vital part of our natural heritage.
Water vole populations have dropped by 94%, mostly due to mink
Mink were brought to the UK for fur farming in the 1920s; after the 2000s ban, many escaped or were released spreading widely
Why Now?
This work is possible thanks to the groundbreaking efforts of the Waterlife Recovery Trust in the East of England. By introducing scent lures and remote monitoring devices into their trap set ups, they’ve shown that strategic, humane management works. We’re using this proven approach to reclaim our waterways from the damaging effects of mink and restore the balance of our ecosystems.
We’re using smart, effective methods to manage mink populations:
Traps on recycled plastic rafts – placed in secure tunnels with small entrances to avoid accidentally catching other species like otters.
Remote alert systems – traps send an alert when a mink is caught, reducing the need for frequent checks.
Natural scent lures – we use mink gland scent instead of food bait to minimise the capture of non-target species.
Genetic analysis – helps us understand mink movement and improve trapping efficiency.
We also have a mink detection dog in training – Kuba. He will help us track mink activity, especially in Cumbria’s challenging landscape of fells and rivers. Kuba’s work will help us place traps more effectively and understand how far mink territories extend.
Mink have around 6 kits per litter, with one litter a year and have no natural predators in the UK
Otters and mink don’t usually share territory - where you see otters, you’re unlikely to see mink
A mink trap on a river
Get Involved
We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist with trap maintenance and humane management of mink populations. If you have an air rifle and are passionate about making a difference, please contact Izzie for more information. Together, we can work towards a healthier ecosystem and a brighter future for our rivers and wildlife.
Eradicating mink from West Cumbria is a crucial step toward protecting our native wildlife and restoring the health of our waterways.
With the support of local partners and the community, we’re making real progress - but there’s still work to do. Together, we can create a future where water voles, ground-nesting birds, and other native species can thrive once again. Let’s reclaim our rivers and safeguard West Cumbria’s natural heritage for generations to come.
Project partners & funders
