Team INNS

Volunteer Himalayan balsam bash

Volunteer Himalayan balsam bash © Craig Wade

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

Invasive non-native species

Join our efforts to tackle invasive species

What are invasive non-native species (INNS)?

INNS have been introduced by humans, intentionally or unintentionally, beyond their natural range. Acknowledged as one of the top five drivers of biodiversity loss globally, their spread threatens the survival of our native species, and can cause damage to our environment, economy, our health and the way we live.

5 direct drivers of biodiversity loss

Direct drivers of change in nature with the largest global impact (IPBES Global Assessment) ©NWWT

Why is action important?

We are living through a loss of nature emergency. Wales is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, and much of our native wildlife is currently struggling (with one in seven species facing extinction and more than 40% in decline).

We cannot underestimate the threat INNS pose to ecosystem resilience.

INNS are a threat because they: 

  • Prey upon native species
  • Outcompete native species for resources such as space, light, food and water
  • Carry new diseases
  • Hybridise, this is where an invasive species breeds with closely related native species and changes their 'genetic character'

INNS also have economic impacts, affecting buildings, agricultural and forest productivity, damaging crops and soil health. They are estimated to cost Wales £125 million per year, a cost which is likely to be increasing.

What can you do?

Here at the North Wales Wildlife Trust, we’re making a concerted effort to protect nature from INNS (and achieve 30by30 to assist natures recover). But we need your help! Here’s a few ways that you can help tackle INNS:

Become a citizen scientist by finding and recording invasive species. There is information on current alert species and how to report them here.

Volunteers 'balsam bouncing'

Volunteers 'balsam bouncing' © Lesley James

Volunteer

Become a volunteer and lets tackle invasive species together! We have a range of volunteer opportunities available.

Become a volunteer
Scrub those all-important hard to reach places, such as the treads on the bottom of your boots

Scrub those all-important hard to reach places, such as the treads on the bottom of your boots © Original Outdoor Media

Biosecurity

Help prevent and reduce the spread of invasive species by adopting simple yet effective measures in your day-to-day life.

Be biosecure

What are we doing at NWWT?

There is a collective effort at the North Wales Wildlife Trust to reduce the impact of INNS on the natural environment. This includes several projects focusing on different approaches and different parts of North Wales and beyond. Find further information below.

Volunteers removing cotoneaster Mynydd Marian

Volunteers removing cotoneaster ©Hannah NWWT

Limestone Grassland Restoration Project

Preserving threatened limestone grassland through cotoneaster management 

Find out more
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on the River Dee

©NWWT

Upper and Middle Dee Invasive species Management Project

People protecting natural spaces

Find out more
Alun and Chwiler Living Landscape Scheme

North Wales Resilient Ecosystem Pilot Project

Piloting innovative solutions in North Wales
Dramatic veins on a Gunnera sp. leaf

Dramatic veins on a Gunnera sp. leaf © Tomos Jones

Wales Resilient Ecological Network

The Wales Resilient Ecological Network (WaREN) is establishing a framework for tackling invasive species across Wales. 

Find out more
Variegated yellow archangel escaping through a garden fence

© Tomos Jones

Garden Escapers!

Involving gardeners in preventing 'future invaders’

Find out more
Himalayan balsam encroaching on footbridge

Himalayan balsam encroaching on footbridge (Craig Wade NWWT)

PATH

Improving people’s experience of natural heritage through signage, walks, talks and INNS management 

Find out more