Invasive Species Survey

The control of Invasive Non-Native Species in the UK is estimated to be £1.8 billion annually. These alien invaders can have significant impacts on people, wildlife and the environment through posing risks to human health, out-competing native species and destruction of habitat (including man-made habitats with materials such as concrete and tarmac).

Laws, such as the Weeds Act 1959, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991 are designed to help control the spread of certain invasive plants such as Japanese Knotweed. Although for most of these invasive species it is not an offence to have them on your land, it is an offence to enable it to spread outside the site boundaries (plants), or to allow the release of them into the wild (plants and animals). As such identifying site with Invasive Non-Native Species and ensuring strict biosecurity procedures is crucial to any development.

The most prolific invasive species in the UK include plants such as Japanese Knotweed, Gant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam; and animals such as American Mink, Signal Crayfish and Zebra Mussels.

On development sites, Japanese Knotweed can grow through the smallest cracks in tarmac, paving and building structures and break them apart. It can rapidly spread to other areas if its root fragments and rhizomes are disturbed.

Want to commission an invasive species survey or assess your site for biosecurity?

Our ecologists are adept at undertaking surveys of invasive plants and animals, and can provide advice on control and disposal of these species. Contact us on 029 2065 0331 for more information.