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Non-native Species Secretariat Non-native Species Secretariat Logo

Non-native species information portal

Celebrating the work of Local Action Groups

A Local Action Group (LAG) is a group or project focused on reducing the risks and impacts associated with invasive non-native species in a specific area. LAGs play a key role in reducing the impacts of invasive non-native species. There are LAGs across GB, carrying out vital work that includes:

  • managing invasive non-native species 
  • awareness raising, education, and training
  • providing biosecurity support
  • coordinating local action
  • providing volunteering opportunities for the community 

With the help of APHA's Local Action Group Coordinator we've produced an infographic to celebrate the work of LAGs: 

Here are a few additional statistics provided by LAGs that we couldn't fit in the infographic...

In 2025, the Avon Invasive Weeds Forum, led by Bristol Zoological Society:  

  • carried out 30 km of invasive non-native species surveys
  • worked with 60 volunteers who provided 2,000 hours of volunteer time 
  • carried out 35 Himalayan balsam pulls 
  • caught 700 signal crayfish to protect the native white-clawed crayfish
  • took part in 15 outreach and awareness-raising events including the Bristol Festival of Nature, Parish Council meetings and guest lectures

Riverlution carried out 92 days of invasive non-native species surveys between April and June this year, focussing on Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam. 

The Elwy Invasive Plants Group carried out over 80 hours of Himalayan balsam management over 14 weeks, with the help of their fantastic volunteers, to keep their 2 mile 'stretch' of river clear of balsam. 

Since March 2025, Tees Rivers Trust has:

  • led 26 volunteer sessions throughout the catchment, which have involved 1,230 volunteer hours, and has a further 15 sessions booked in over the next two months
  • received a nomination from the BBC Radio Tees 'Make a difference' award for their work
  • consumed an impressive 28 flavours of biscuit!

These are just a few examples of the fantastic work that LAGs across the country are carrying out. If you're inspired to join them, you can learn more about Local Action Groups and find a group near you.