The Toolkit is designed to be easily accessible and offers guidance to help gardeners of all levels.

Explore the Gardeners' Toolkit

Dr Tomos Jones, Garden Escapers Manager at North Wales Wildlife Trust said:

“The Gardeners’ Toolkit is a really handy new resource for gardeners. It helps us understand which plants might be invasive and difficult to manage, and has lots of tips on making small changes that help support local wildlife, such as choosing alternative plants.”

The threat of invasive species

Ornamental plants have long brought beauty and enjoyment to gardens. However, some species can escape and become invasive in the wild, where they outcompete native plants and damage habitats used by insects, birds and other wildlife.

Invasive species cost the UK economy nearly £2 billion annually, and the North Wales Wildlife Trust works to protect important habitats across the region, where invasive plants are an increasing challenge.

Luke Jones, Reserves Officer at North Wales Wildlife Trust, said: 

“Our nature reserves are among the most important places for wildlife in North Wales. At Gwaith Powdwr Nature Reserve in Penrhydeudraeth, our volunteers play a vital role in managing invasive species. This work helps raise awareness of how plants can escape from gardens and spread into the wider environment.”

The Gardeners’ Toolkit was produced with the support of numerous partners, including University Bangor Treborth Botanical Gardens, CADW and Conwy County Council Borough.

Invasive plants can also cause serious damage to historic sites. Ashley Batten, Regional Inspector of Ancient Monuments and Archaeology at CADW, highlights why action is needed:

“The roots of invasive species like red valerian grow deep within the mortar at many historic monuments. These roots allow water to penetrate between the masonry. When this water freezes in winter, it expands and can lead to damage or even collapse.”

The Gardeners’ Toolkit aims to address the challenges of invasive species by helping gardeners to:

• Recognise problem species before they establish in the wild.
• Understand the impacts invasive plants can have on nature and landscapes.
• Choose wildlife-friendly alternatives that enhance garden habitats without risk.
• Dispose of plant material responsibly, reducing the chance of escape.

What is the Toolkit?

The Gardeners’ Toolkit is a resource designed with accessibility and usability in mind, and includes multiple mobile-friendly resources:

• Plant profiles: A series of plant profiles featuring both invasive and potentially invasive species. Each profile includes plant facts, origin, how to identify them, how to deal with them and, importantly, guidance on alternative plants that can enhance gardens without posing a threat to wildlife.
• Seasonal calendar: A handy printable calendar that highlights key seasons for invasive plant growth, spread and management, allowing gardeners to plan proactive interventions at the right time of year.
• Engaging video series: Short videos featuring expert guidance on how to manage invasive species. These visual resources are ideal for gardeners who prefer learning by watching.
• Take action: Clear advice on how gardeners can make a positive impact through everyday decisions and practices. Using a national campaign called Be Plant Wise provides a stepping stone to help manage invasive species for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
• Terminology and legislation: Downloadable PDFs explain key terms and relevant environmental legislation regarding invasive species in simple, reader-friendly ways.

Get involved

According to RHS State of Gardening Report 2025, there are over 950,000 hectares of gardens across the UK, which is roughly the size of 135,000 football pitches. What gardeners do (or don’t do) can therefore have a real impact on the wider environment around them.

The Toolkit complements wider wildlife gardening initiatives by North Wales Wildlife Trust, which encourage gardeners to see their outdoor spaces not just as private patches but as part of a vast, shared green network that supports wildlife across North Wales.

Check out the Gardeners’ Toolkit online at North Wales Wildlife Trust’s website. Gardeners, nature lovers and conservation supporters are encouraged to explore the toolkit, watch the videos, download plant profiles, and share the resource with gardening communities, local groups and friends.

To explore the Gardener's Toolkit, learn more or begin your wildlife-friendly gardening journey, and help stop the spread of invasive species visit: https://www.northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk/gardeners-toolkit.

The Garden Escapers project is funded by the Nature Networks Programme. It is being delivered by the Heritage Fund, on behalf of the Welsh Government.