Invasive Species Surveys

Some invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam, were originally introduced into the UK as ornamental plants. Unfortunately due to their invasive nature they have taken over large areas of habitat resulting in the reduced success of native floral species due to competition etc. Invasive plant species are listed on the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 under Schedule 9 and it is an offence under section 14(2) of the Act to “plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild” any plant listed under Schedule 9.

It is important to be able to identify the presence of invasive species such as Japanese knotweed; this plant has the ability to weaken buildings and to damage roads, which can be extremely costly if not identified early on.  It is not an offence to simply have Japanese knotweed growing in your garden or on your land and there is no specific legal requirement to control it if it is (unless doing so forms part of a legally binding contract or agreement with another party).

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