Invasive non-native species information for landowners

A non-native species is a species that has been introduced into the country by human intervention (either deliberately or accidentally) since the end of the last ice age.

Most non-native species do not cause problems. However, a minority (10-15%) become “invasive” and have negative impacts on agriculture, forestry or biodiversity interests.

Invasive non-native plants invade habitats, spread quickly and outcompete native vegetation. Some can be destructive, causing riverbanks, built structures and surfaces to destabilise. A few can adversely affect human and animal health.

The cost of invasive non-native species (INNS) to Britain is at least 1.7 billion per annum (Cabi, 2010). Agriculture is the most affected industry, with estimated costs for the UK at £1.088 billion.

The threat of INNS is increasing with growth in international trade and travel. But we can all do something to help stop their spread.

The most widespread invasive non-native plant species causing damage to the environment and biodiversity are:

• Giant Hogweed
• Himalayan Balsam
• Rhododendron
• Japanese Knotweed

The Law on Invasive Plants

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provides the primary controls on the release of non-native species into the wild in Great Britain and it is an
offence under the act to ‘plant’ or ‘otherwise, cause to grow in the wild’ a
number of non-native plant species.

The purpose of section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is to prevent the release into the wild of certain plants and animals which may cause ecological, environmental, or socio-economic harm. This law exists to prevent non-native plants spreading into the wild from non-wild areas such as gardens. 'In the wild' is define as anywhere except gardens, parks, arable land and improved pasture.

Landowner responsibilities

Managing invasive species is the responsibility of the owner/occupier of
the site.

By law, you must ensure that any non-native plants growing on your land
don’t spread into the wild. This includes natural spread and spread caused
by the dumping of plant material or contaminated soil.

Although there is no legal requirement to control non-native invasive species that are already established in the wild, action can be taken in the landowners inactivity is preventing the success of a co-ordinated eradication programme.

Management Methods

Invasive species can be controlled through a range of methods, including
containing a species in a limited area, preventing or slowing its spread, and
localised population reduction or eradication.

When controlling and disposing of invasive non-native plants on land, specific legal responsibilities must be complied with, relating to:

• Spraying with herbicide
• Cutting and burning
• Burying invasive plant material
• Disposing of invasive plant and contaminated soil at an appropriately
  licensed landfill site

Support Available

Countryside stewardship:

• SP4: Control of invasive plant species supplement. Available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier. Pays £380 per hectare.

• SB6: Rhododendron control. Available for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier and Higher Tier Capital Grants. Payments from £3,500 - £5,500 per hectare.

The Government and GB non-native species secretariat website can also
provide more information on invasive plants, their management, and
landowners responsibilities.