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 Environmental NGOs. Please use the following links to find the correct version of the code for you:

• Horticultural code for England and Wales (PDF) - latest (2011) version
• Horticultural code for Scotland (PDF)

Other documents that should be read in conjunction with this code include:

• Species currently listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (PDF)
• Guidance on section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (PDF)
• Knotweed Code of Practice (PDF)
• Code of Practice to Prevent the Spread of Non-indigenous Flatworms (PDF)

Web links for various materials relating to the Horticultural Code of Practice

• Copies of Acts of Parliament and Statutory Instruments can be obtained from The Stationery Office (external link)
• Advice on topsoil (external link)
• Advice on undertaking a Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
• General advice relating to Health and Safety (external link)
• Advice on the management of aquatic invasive non-native plants species (external link)
• Guidance on the use of herbicides to control non-native plants in or near water (external link)
• Advice on dealing with Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants (external link)

Advice about the importation of plants:

• Scottish Government's Plant Health Guide for Importers (external link)
• Royal Horticultural Society (external link)

Advice on alternatives to invasive non-native species: 

• Plantlife and the Royal Horticultural Society's guides to gardening without harmful invasives

Advice and regulations on waste disposal:

• Environment Agency (external link)

Composting and other soil related issues go to:

• Compost It (external link)
• Soil Association (external link)

Information on The Weeds Act 1959 (external link