This section provides links to guidance documents that have been produced by a range of organisations. While this information should be a useful resource, the Non-native Species Secretariat cannot endorse any guidance. If you would like to recommend management information to include here please contact us
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Terrestrial plants
Acaena novae-zelandiae (Pirri-pirri Bur)
- Good practice management guidance for piri-piri burr (PDF) - RAPID LIFE (2018)
- Volunteers tackle invasive alien (PDF). Joint Press Release issued by Natural England and the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership (July 2013)
Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Common Ragweed)
- Assessing and controlling the spread and the effects of common ragweed in Europe (external link) 2010 report for the European Commission
- Guidelines for management of common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia (PDF) - EUPHRESCO 2009
- Management and control options for common ragweed (PDF) - IUCN/ISSG (downloaded from website February 2014)
- Milakovic I, Fiedler K & Karrer G (2014). Management of roadside populations of invasive Ambrosia artemisiifolia by mowing (external link). Weed Research
- Jordan, T., Nice, G., Smeda, R., Sprague, C., Loux, M. & Johnson, B. Biology and management of common ragweed (PDF) - Glyphosate, Weeds, and Crop Series - 14
- Aman Chandi, David L. Jordan, Alan C. York , and Bridget R. Lassiter (2012) Confirmation and Management of Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) Resistant to Diclosulam (external link). Weed Technology 26(1):29-36
- Invasive Species Compendium: Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Common Ragweed) (external link) - CABI website (11 March 2014)
- Strategies for Ambrosia control. Euphresco project AMBROSIA 2008-09 (PDF). Scientific report edited by Niels Holst
- Bohren, C. (2007) Ambrosia artemissifolia L. - in Switzerland: concerted action to prevent further spreading (PDF). Station fédérale de recherches en production végétale, Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil (ACW), CH 1260 Nyon 1, Switzerland
- Coutinot, D., Starfinger, U., McFadyen, R., Volkovitsh, M.G., Kiss, L., Cristofaro, M. & Ehret, P. (2008) Feasibility of biological control of common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) a noxious and highly allergenic weed in Europe (PDF). In: Proceedings of the XII International Symposium on Biological Control of Weeds (eds. M.H. Julien, R. Sforza, M.C. Bon, H.C. Evans, P.E. Hatcher, H.L. Hinz and B.G. Rector), pp 717-719. CAB International Wallingford, UK
- Týr, Š., Vereš, T. & Lacko-Bartošová, M. (2009) Efficacy of herbicides control of Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.) in maize (PDF). Research Journal of Agricultural Science, 41 (1), 337-340
Buddleja davidii (Buddleia)
- Invasive Species Compendium: Buddleja davidii (butterfly bush) (external link) - CABI website (March 2014)
- Tallent-Halsell, N.G. & Watt, M.S. (2009) The Invasive Buddleja davidii (Butterfly Bush) (PDF). The Botanical Review, 75(3): 292-325
- Ream, J. (2006) Production and Invasion of Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) in Oregon (PDF). Project submitted to Oregon State University, University Honors College and Biosource Research
- Starr, F., Starr, K. & Loope, L. (2003) Buddleia davidii (PDF). United States Geological Survey - Biological Resources Division, Haleakala Field Station, Maui, Hawai'i
- Buddleia (external link) - Landcare Research (New Zealand) website (March 2014)
- Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii) (external link) - Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board website (March 2014)
Cotoneaster spp
- Controlling Cotoneaster. Operational Guidance Note (external link). Natural Resources Wales
Fallopia japonica (Japanese Knotweed)
Japanese Knotweed Code of Practice
Please note, the Code of Practice has been withdrawn from use because the Environment Agency no longer provides best practice guidance. See Gov.UK guidance on preventing invasive non-native plants from spreading (external link).
The Environment Agency in England has developed a code of practice (PDF) to help developers manage Japanese knotweed legally. It also gives options for cost effectively managing Japanese knotweed on site. Hauliers, architects, planners, designers, contractors, consultants and landscape gardeners can also use this code. Please note, the Code of Practice has been withdrawn
Link to the Environment Agency's Japanese Knotweed Code of Practice (PDF)
The code of practice is intended to reduce waste and regulation. It is not intended as comprehensive guidance on control methods, but it does describe a number of methods that have been proven to be effective. Whatever method you use to treat soil contaminated with Japanese knotweed rhizome on site, you must follow the guidance in Section 2.4 with regards its reuse on site. If it is taken off-site it must be disposed of via landfill or incineration. It should not be sold or disposed of as soil.
You do not need to be a specialist contractor to administer the code of practice, but there are a number of companies that specialise in Japanese knotweed treatment. Many, but not all, of these companies belong to one of two trades’ bodies that specialise in the management of invasive non-native plants in general, and Japanese knotweed in particular.
- http://www.innsa.org (external link)
- http://www.property-care.org/homeowners/invasive-weed-control (external link)
The Environment Agency cannot endorse any company offering these services, and you must ensure that they either operate within the code of practice, or obtain the necessary environmental permits for their activities.
You can get advice on managing waste in England from the Environment Agency on their customer services line; 03708 506 506
If you see anyone illegally moving or disposing of waste, call the incident hotline on; 0800 80 70 60.
Additional resources
- Good practice management guidance for Japanese knotweed (PDF) - RAPID LIFE (2018)
- Japanese knotweed (external link) - Gov.UK web pages
- Japanese knotweed: controlling it on your land English version (PDF) | Welsh language (PDF) - Welsh Government (2020)
- Japanse knotweed advice: community and voluntary groups (PDF) | Welsh language version (PDF) - Welsh Government (2020)
- Optimising physiochemical control of invasive Japanese knotweed (external link). Jones et al 2018. Biological Invasions.
- The Control of Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) in Construction and Landscape Contracts (PDF). Model Specification and Guide to Procurement - Welsh Government (2011)
- On-site management of Japanese Knotweed and associated contaminated soils (PDF) - SEPA Technical Guidance Note. Scottish Environment Protection Agency (2008)
- Managing invasive non-native plants in or near fresh water (PDF) - Environment Agency 2010
- Kabat, T.J., Stewart, G.B., and Pullin, A.S. (2006). Are Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) control and eradication interventions effective? (PDF) Systematic Review No. 21. Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, Birmingham, UK.
- Invasive Alien Species Fact Sheet: Fallopia japonicaa (PDF) - NOBANIS (downloaded from website March 2014)
- Invasive Species Compendium: Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) (external link) - CABI website (March 2014)
- Information Sheet 5: Japanese Knotweed (PDF) - Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH 2004)
- Kelly, J., Maguire, C.M. and Cosgrove, P.J. (2008). Best Practice Management Guidelines Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica. (PDF) Prepared for NIEA and NPWS as part of Invasive Species Ireland.
- Japanese Knotweed Guidance for Identification & Control (PDF) - Cornwall Knotweed Forum
- Kabat, T.J., Stewart, G.B., and Pullin, A.S. (2006). Are Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) control and eradication interventions effective? (PDF) Systematic Review No. 21. Collaboration for Environmental Evidence
- Japanese knotweed - Fallopia japonica (PDF). Angling Trust
- Japanese Knotweed (PDF) - Invasive Species Ireland (downloaded from website March 2014)
- Japanese Knotweed: Control of Knotweed (external link) - Devon County Council website (March 2014)
- Delbart, E., Mahy, G., Weickmans, B., Henriet, F., Crémer, S., Pieret, N., Vanderhoeven,, S. & Monty, A. (2012) Can Land Managers Control Japanese Knotweed? Lessons from Control Tests in Belgium (external link). Environmental Management, 50(6): 1089-1097
- Djeddour, D. H. & Shaw, R. H. (2010) The Biological Control of Fallopia Japonica in Great Britain: Review and Current Status (external link). Outlooks on Pest Management, 21(1): 15-18(4)
- Beerlin, D.J. (2006) The use of non-persistent herbicides, glyphosate, and 2,4-D amine, to control riparian stands of Japanese knotweed (reynoutria japonica houtt.) (external link). Regulated Rivers: Research & Management, 5(5): 413-417
- Ford, S. (2004) Cut and inject herbicide control of Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica in Cornwall, England. Conservation Evidence, 1: 3-5
- Best Management Practices: Invasive Knotweeds (PDF). King County Noxious Weed Control Program (2008)
- Knotweed Action Group website www.knotweedactiongroup.com (external link)
- The Tweed Invasives Project: 18 years of Catchment-wide Control (external link) - The Tweed Forum (2020)
- Good practice management guidance for giant hogweed (PDF) - RAPID LIFE 2018
- The Giant Hogweed Best Practice Manual. Guidelines for the management and control of an invasive weed in Europe (2005) (external link).
- Mayer, L. (2000). Comparison of Management Techniques for Heracleum mantegazzianum in North and Central Europe (PDF). Restoration and Reclamation Review 6(4)
- MacDonald, F. and Anderson, H. (2012) Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum): Best Management Practices in Ontario (PDF). Ontario Invasive Plant Council, Peterborough, ON
- Giant Hogweed Best Management Practices (PDF) . King County Noxious Weed Control Program (2010)
- Giant Hogweed Control Methods (PDF) - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (downloaded from website March 2014)
- Giant Hogweed Fact Sheet (PDF) - Sussex Wildlife Trust
- Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) (PDF). Countryside Management Publications. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)
- Best Practice Management Guidelines: Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) (PDF). Invasive Species Ireland
- Invasive Alien Species Fact Sheet: Heracleum mantegazzianum (PDF) - NOBANIS (downloaded from website March 2014)
- Invasive Species Compendium: Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed) (external link) - CABI website (11 March 2014)
- Managing invasive non-native plants in or near fresh water (PDF) - Environment Agency 2010
- Information Sheet 4: Giant Hogweed (PDF) - Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) 2004
- Caffrey, J.M. (2001) The Management of Giant Hogweed in an Irish River Catchment (PDF). J. Aquat. Plant Manage. 39: 28-33
- The Woodland Trust - Giant Hogweed (PDF). Wood Wise - Woodland Conservation News Spring 2013, p 10-11
- Anderson, U.V. & Carlov, B. (1996) Long-term effects of sheep grazing on giant hogweed (external link) (Heracleum mantegazzianum). Hydrobiologia 340(1-3): 277-284
- Giant Hogweed - Angling_Trust (PDF) - Angling Trust
Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan Balsam)
- The Tweed Invasives Project: 18 years of Catchment-wide Control (external link) - The Tweed Forum (2020)
- Good practice management guidance for Himalayan balsam (PDF) - RAPID LIFE (2018)
- Report on control of Himalayan Balsam in the Wye Valley AONB (PDF) or visit their website (external link)
- Invasive Alien Species Fact Sheet: Impatiens glandulifera (PDF) - NOBANIS (downloaded from website March 2014)
- Invasive Species Compendium: Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam) (external link) - CABI website
- Kelly, J., Maguire, C.M. and Cosgrove, P.J. (2008). Best Practice Management Guidelines Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera (PDF). Prepared for NIEA and NPWS as part of Invasive Species Ireland.
- Managing invasive non-native plants in or near fresh water (PDF) - Environment Agency 2010
- The Woodland Trust - Himalayan Balsam (PDF). Wood Wise - Woodland Conservation News Spring 2013, p 12-14
- Information Sheet 3: Himalayan Balsam (PDF) - Centre for Ecology Hydrology (CEH 2004)
- Himalayan balsam - Impatiens glandulifera (PDF) - Angling Trust
- Himalayan Balsam (PDF) - Ecology Technical Information Note No. 03. Sustrans (2011)
- Guidance on tackling Himalayan balsam (PDF) - Tyne Rivers Trust (2014)
- Himalayan Balsam (PDF) - Invasive Species Ireland (downloaded from website March 2014)
- Himalayan Balsam Fact Sheet (PDF) - Sussex Wildlife Trust
- Management and control information Impatiens glandulifera (PDF) - IUCN/ISSG (downloaded from website March 2014)
Lysichiton americanus (American Skunk-cabbage)
- The Tweed Invasives Project: 18 years of Catchment-wide Control (PDF) - The Tweed Forum (2020)
- Good practice management guidance for American skunk cabbage (PDF) - RAPID LIFE (2018)
- Management options for American skunk-cabbage Lysichiton americanus (PDF) - Angling Trust
- American Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) Fact Sheet (PDF) - Sussex Wildlife Trust
- Report from the New Forest Non-native Plants project report on the impacts of American Skunk-cabbage (Lysichiton americanus) (PDF)
- Invasive Species Compendium: Lysichiton americanus (American Skunk-cabbage) (external link) - CABI website
- Invasive Alien Species Fact Sheet: Lysichiton americanus (PDF) - NOBANIS (downloaded from website March 2014)
- Lysichiton americanus data sheet (external link) (2006) - EPPO Bulletin, 36 (1) 7-9
- How to Control it – American Skunk Cabbage (PDF) - Forth Invasive Non-Native Species Programme
- The Woodland Trust - American skunk cabbage (PDF). Wood Wise - Woodland Conservation News Spring 2013, p 4-5
Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape)
- A preliminary field trial to compare control techniques for invasive Berberis aquifolium in Belgian coastal dunes (PDF) - Adriaens et al, 2019
Rhododendron ponticum (Rhododendron)
- Forestry Commission - Managing and controlling invasive Rhododendron, a practice guide (2006) (PDF).
- Forestry Commission - Rhododendron: control best practice (2008) (PDF).
- Lever and Mulch method leaflet (PDF)
- Organic methods of Rhododendron control, Kehoe Countryside Ltd (PDF)
- Tyler, C. & Pullin, A.S. (2005). Do commonly used interventions effectively control Rhododendron ponticum? (PDF) Systematic Review No. 6. Centre for Evidence-Based Conservation, Birmingham, U.K.
- Walter, M. (2005) Rhododendron ponticum control by mulching, cutting and herbicide application at Blean Woods RSPB Reserve, Kent, England (PDF). Conservation Evidence 2, 39-40
- Liley, D. (2005) Comparison of two chemicals used to control rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum at Blackhill, Dorset, England (PDF). Conservation Evidence 2, 129
- The Woodland Trust - Rhododendron (PDF). Wood Wise - Woodland Conservation News Spring 2013, p 14-17
- Jackson, P. (2008) Rhododendron in Snowdonia and a strategy for its control (PDF). Snowdonia National Park Authority
- Maguire, C.M., Kelly, J. and Cosgrove, P.J. (2008). Best Practice Management Guidelines Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum and Cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus (PDF). Prepared for NIEA and NPWS as part of Invasive Species Ireland.
- Rhododendron ponticum (rhododendron) Management and Control (September 2010) (PDF) - IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group
- Native Woodland Scheme Information Note No. 3: The Control of Rhododendron in Native Woodlands (PDF). Woodlands of Ireland.
- Higgins, G.T. (2008) Rhododendron ponticum: A guide to management on nature conservation sites (PDF). Irish Wildlife Manuals, No. 33. National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin, Ireland
Website Links:
- Forest Research - Improving strategies for long-term eradication of Rhododendron (external link). (2012)
- Forest Research - Clearance and disposal strategies for Phytophthora-infected rhododendron (external link). (2012)
- Invasive Species Compendium: Rhododendron ponticum (rhododendron) (external link) - CABI website (11 March 2014)
- Tyler, C., Pullin, A.S. & Stewart, G.B.(2006) Effectiveness of management interventions to control invasion by Rhododendron ponticum (external link). Environ Manage., 37(4):513-22
- Edwards, C., Clay, D. V. & Dixon, F. L. (2000) Stem treatment to control Rhododendron ponticum under woodland canopies (external link). Aspects of Applied Biology, 58: 39-46