What are non-native invasive species?
Over 2,000 plants and animals have been introduced to Great Britain from all over the world by people. These are known as non-native species. Most are harmless, but around 10-15% spread and become invasive non-native species.
Invasive non-native species have become an issue in the UK due to direct or indirect introduction by humans. These species are introduced from other parts of the world and can quickly harm wildlife and the environment, are costly to the economy and can even impact on our health and way of life.
Why are they a problem?
Impacts on the environment
Invasive non-native species are capable of causing extinctions of native plants and animals, reducing biodiversity, altering habitats and even increase the risk of flooding.
Impacts on our health and way of life
In the UK invasive non-native species threaten the survival of native wildlife and damage our natural ecosystems by preying on or out-competing other plants and animals, disrupting habitats and ecosystems, and spreading harmful diseases.
Impacts on the economy
Invasive species cost the British economy close to £2 billion a year. Costs include damage to buildings and infrastructure, interference with the production of food and materials, losses to other activities such as tourism and navigation, and high management costs for established invasive species. Japanese knotweed alone is estimated to cost the GB economy around £250 million per year.
To read about and report the most problematic invasive species on Wirral Council owned land, visit:
- Himalayan balsam
- Giant hogweed
- Japanese knotweed on council owned land
- Japanese knotweed on private land
How to report sightings on council land
The council is only required to undertake treatment of invasive non-native species where it is present on council owned land.
If you are concerned about any possible invasive non-native species on Wirral Council land, please report it with a photograph and specific location: