Information on invasive species and how to minimise their impacts.
Animals and plants that have been introduced to a place where they do not naturally occur are known as non-native species. Many of these live happily in the UK without causing a problem but a few become what's called invasive.
Invasive species upset the balance of the ecosystem as they may be bigger, faster growing or more aggressive than the native species. They may also have fewer natural predators to control numbers. The native species are often unable to compete and fairly quickly the invasive species take over.
Help and advice
Download our booklet on how to minimise the impacts of invasive plants. It focuses on bankside and aquatic species that are causing the most concern and generate the most enquiries - Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, Australian Swamp Stonecrop, Parrot's Feather and Floating Pennywort.
Using herbicides
If you plan to use herbicides to control aquatic or bankside weeds please complete the application form below and return it to us. Please read the documents on How to fill in the application form and the Guidance notes first.
