If you have aspirations to complete the Frog Graham Round, then you can’t afford to be anything less than deadly serious about the issue of biosecurity. The FGR Club Committee have worked very hard to ensure that we have a viable model to combat the threat of Invasive Species and we look to all contenders to support us 100% - the future of the round depends on YOUR actions.

Commendation from West Cumbria Rivers Trust:

‘We are delighted that the Frog Graham Round Club (FGRC) take biosecurity so seriously and are pleased to work with them. New Zealand pygmyweed (Crassula) in particular is a dangerously invasive and pernicious species that could easily spread and contaminate previously pristine bodies of water. The FGRC team are leading the way with their commitment in ensuring their participants comply with biosecurity procedures through astute use of technology. Their thorough approach, attention to detail and willingness to make positive changes are commendable.'

In recent years, the threat posed by Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) has increased hugely and sadly, Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater have been compromised for some time, completely upsetting the lakes’ delicate ecology and causing significant problems for lake users.  Crummock Water has also succumbed and is now infected with NZ pygmyweed, only Buttermere remains untouched and the park authorities and WCRT are making strenuous efforts to ensure it remains that way. The Frog Graham Round Club is committed to supporting their initiatives, therefore we must stress that it is up to YOU, as a contender, to make sure that you don’t introduce the slightest piece of contamination into this special body of water.

How to ensure this? We strongly recommend that you use two wetsuits and leave the one you’ve just used (depending on direction) with supporters/friends at a relevant support point. If this is not possible, then your wetsuit and other equipment should be thoroughly rinsed and closely examined to make sure that not even the smallest piece of weed (or otherwise) is concealed/attached. Check all surfaces, inside and out, check zips and seams. Don’t forget swimming hat and boots/gloves if you’ve used them. Other equipment that could easily harbour INNS are floatbags, shoes and tow-cords. Even though Crummock Water is now compromised, we still strongly advise that you cleanse your equipment (and yourself) after the Bassenthwaite swim, as cross-contamination of other invasive species is still possible.

Good places to rinse equipment are in Beckstones Gill on the climb up to Barf (NY218263) or at the Whinlatter Centre (NY208245) where there is a tap outside the toilet block, it can be found adjacent to the mens’ entrance at the back of the cafe. Having swam Crummock Water, your options are a) a clean wetsuit from a supporter at Low Ling Crag or b) wash your wetsuit in either Black Beck (NY146173) or Scale Beck (NY150171), depending on where your crossing point is during the Mellbreak to Red Pike transit.

Please bear in mind that a piece of pigymyweed just 2mm long poses a significant threat, so ALL equipment should be checked and cleaned, it is vital that you are 100% thorough and nullify any risk. Although the FGR is not an organised sporting event in the same way as (say) a triathlon, we urge you to review the event biosecurity support pack provided by CFINNS as it contains important and very relevant information.

Of course, we recognise that not all contenders will use wetsuits or possibly only use one for the Bassenthwaite and/or Derwentwater swims. You should check your own body (and hair) to make absolutely sure that you are not harbouring a sneaky piece of weed, you really cannot be too careful. It also goes without saying that you check your equipment prior to and after any open-water swimming in the Lake District, this applies to any boat or canoe/kayak that might be part of your support team – has the bottom been checked carefully?  The excellent West Cumbria Rivers Trust recommends you use a disinfectant if at all possible, they recommend Virkon  [available here] as being very effective.   It is also important that you dry your equipment properly, as INNS can survive for extended periods in damp conditions.

** If you are planning a clockwise Frog Graham Round, then you must make appropriate arrangements after your Derwentwater swim. The FGRC are currently investigating options, but our current recommendation is to have a supporter meet you after the swim with a fresh wetsuit. Please DO NOT use any smaller bodies of water (such as Dale Tarn) to wash your wetsuit.

Further guidance on this crucial issue is available here:

West Cumbria Rivers Trust Video
Lake District National Park Authority
Cumbria Freshwater Invasive Non-Native Species Initiative
Spread the Word - Not the Weed (Sara Barnes video)