© Tomos Jones
Garden Escapers!
We need you! - help us identify and prevent 'future invaders'
We're engaging with gardeners to identify and prevent 'future invaders'. Project engagement will focus on six locations (see map). We'll be looking at which ornamental plants are spreading in gardens and can also be found outside gardens such as in neighbouring protected areas.
What are invasive species?
Globally and here in Wales, ornamental garden plants spreading from gardens are one of the main sources of invasive non-native species (invasive species). The majority of ornamental plants we find in in our gardens are non-native but are not causing problems; however, a small number may escape from gardens and invade the wider landscape, which can impact the environment, economy, our health and the way we live. Invasive species have been recognised globally as one of the top five threats to nature and could become an increasing problem because of the climate crisis.
Do you live in (or near) one of the towns shown on the map below?
Invite us to your garden to find which 'future invaders' are growing!
Pilosella aurantiacum © NNSS
Leycesteria formosa © NNSS
Crocosmia Lucifer © NNSS
Examples of known invasive species include Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), three-cornered garlic (Allium triquetrum), Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora) and Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica). Species which are not currently invasive but have potential to be so include examples such as chocolate vine (Akebia quinata), Himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa), Japanese anemone (Anemone × hybrida).
Allium triquetrum ©LisaToth
Register plants which are spreading in your garden
You might have noticed other species too, that are spreading in your garden, and we want to hear about them.
Hyacinthoides hispanica ©LisaToth
Garden Escapers! - Events
Do you want to know more about invasive species? Do you want to know how to manage them in your garden and what alternatives you could plant?
Attend one of our free events across North West Wales.
Want to learn more about how you can help?
Gardeners can help stop the spread of invasive species.
'Know your plants - stop the spread - compost with care'
You can also get involved in a citizen science project calledÂ
You can also contact us
Know someone who might be interested in the Garden Escapers project? Find the project leaflet here.
This project is being co-led by Coventry University and North Wales Wildlife Trust and funded as part of the Resilient Communities Grant programme by Natural Resources Wales.
