Guidance
Awareness is key
Awareness of non-native species and the impacts they can have environmentally, socially and economically is vital to tackling the problem. In the past many non-native species have become a problem because of accidental human behaviour. Much information can be found on this website and through the links to inform people's decisions and allow them to take responsible action to help reduce the deleterious impact of invasive non-native species.
Legislation
There is a significant body of legislation relating to non-native species in Great Britain. Most importantly, it is illegal to release non-native animal species into the wild under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Select Legislation from the menu on the left hand side to find out more.
Horticultural Code of Practice
Codes of practice are designed to encourage people to act responsibly. For non-native species problems it is vital that people carry out their activities (for example growing plants for garden centres, trading in exotic plants, holding a private collection of plants or animals or owning a pet) in a responsible and informed manner to minimise the risks to the environment. A Horticultural Code of Practice has been developed by GB Administrations, Trade organisations, NDPBs and Envirnmental NGOs. The code for England and Wales can be found here and the code for Sottland can be found here.
Importing goods and products
Defra have provided information and guidance on personal imports and the law, which can be accessed here.
SITPRO Limited (formerly The Simpler Trade Procedures Board), which is a Non-Departmental Public Body whose aim is to simplify international trade, have provided information on importing products of animal origin or goods of organic origin, which can be accessed here.
Japanese knotweed
The Environment Agency have produced the Knotweed Code of Practice, guidance for managing Japanese Knotweed on development sites. The Cornwall Knotweed Forum have useful advice on their website on how to manage Japanese Knotweed and what to do and what not to do with Japanese Knotweed. The Royal Horticultural Society have also provided advice on how to manage Japanese knotweed, which can be found by clicking here.
Aquatic plants
Invasive non-native aquatic plants are a particular problem. They can spread rapidly, choke waterways, increase flooding risk and damage angling interests. Many infestations result from people removing plants that have out-grown their ponds and dumping them in nearby waterways. Plantlife are running a campaign in Scotland called "Pond Alert" to raise awareness of invasive non-native aquatic/pond plants and have produced a colourful leaflet to help identify suitable native and unsuitable non-native plants. You can access the Water for Wildlife Campaign - Prevent Pond Pests here.
