Invasive demon shrimp discovered in Wiltshire waterway

An invasive species of shrimp has been discovered in a protected waterway, raising concerns for native species and the wider ecosystem.

The demon shrimp, larger than the native equivalent and with a distinctive stripy back, has been discovered in the Holy Brook, a tributary of the River Kennet which runs through Wiltshire and Berkshire.

The charity Action for the River Kennet (ARK) is urging those who encounter the species, which can outcompete native species, to report it to them.

The charity’s education and outreach manager Anna Forbes said it was also imperative that river-users follow the government’s Check, Clean, Dry guidance to stop the demon shrimp spreading further.