What are invasive non-native species
Invasive non-native species (INNS) are species that are not naturally found in the region they are in and cause harm to the environment, economy and/or human health. They cause £1.84 billion of economic damage in the UK each year.
Some species introduced to a new environment, thrive in it and outcompete native species for resources like food and shelter, disrupt food chains, alter habitats, and some carry diseases. This leads to the decline or extinction of native wildlife. These harmful effects are what makes some non-native species invasive.
INNS can be introduced intentionally, like ornamental plants, or unintentionally through things like being accidentally transported by ships or planes.
With climate change, INNS that are already established in the UK may be able to spread into new ranges, or new species previously not able to establish could be introduced. This will make them more challenging to deal with.
How to identify invasive non-native species
Some more well-known examples of INNS include:
- Himalayan balsam
- Giant hogweed
- Japanese knotweed
- Asian hornet
Get help identifying species using the non-native species ID sheets
How to report invasive non-native species
You can record invasive non-native species you see in the wild using INNS Mapper, which helps to monitor trends and coordinate efforts by organisations working to stop their spread.
If INNS are on land we own or are causing a significant issue, please also contact us.
What you can do to stop invasive species spreading
- know what you grow and Be Plant Wise – if you have any invasive species in your garden make sure they don’t enter the wild. Some invasive species can still be found in garden centres so check what you buy. Follow the RHS guide for further help.
- follow the Don’t Pack a Pest and Check, Clean and Dry guidance on equipment to stop the spread of harmful plants and animals between waterbodies.
- consider volunteering to help remove some invasive species, like with your local Rivers Trust or other local groups.
What are we doing
Westmorland and Furness Council have developed an Invasive Non-Native Species Policy which outlines how we will deal with invasive species on land the Council owns, manages, or is responsible for.
A coordinated and persistent approach is required for successful management and where possible, eradication of INNS. Our activities also need to be prioritised to ensure the most effective use of available resources.
Some of the actions we are already taking include:
- we are working closely with our contractors and teams across our parks and open spaces. Managing INNS forms part of our seasonal and annual management places until they are eradicated.
- at our Ferry Nab public slipway on Lake Windemere we are improving our signage to promote the Don’t Pack a Pest and Check, Clean and Dry messaging to stop the spread of INNS between waterbodies.
- we are reviewing the Council’s processes and procedures for verges and hedges adjacent to highways to prevent the spread of Himalayan balsam, including timings of work and biosecurity practices.
- improving communication and awareness for landowners who also cut roadside hedges and verges they own which are adjacent to Council-owned or managed land
We are also working in partnership to prevent the introduction of and spread of INNS and the diseases they carry across our area. We will be doing this through increased biosecurity, including education, engagement and targeted risk reduction. For example, we are working with the Cumbria Local Nature Partnership to raise awareness of invasive species, aiming to coordinate activity across the county.
Responsibilities
In the UK the responsibility for managing INNS is shared between governmental agencies, conservation organisations, local authorities and landowners. Landowners and land managers are responsible for not planting or allowing certain INNS to grow in the wild. This can involve stopping them from spreading and causing damage to other land.
By working with other statutory organisations and local partners we can maximise the effectiveness of collective efforts to manage invasive species across land, watercourses and waterbodies in Westmorland and Furness. Local authorities aren’t obliged to remove invasive species from private land and are not the lead authorities for invasive species enforcement.
Regulations and legal requirements
There are different regulations to help protect the environment, economy and health from INNS.
The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 prevents the introduction and spread of INNS. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to release animals or cause plants to spread into the wild that are listed in Schedule 9 of the Act.
The Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) keeps a list of Species of Special Concern that applies across Great Britain.