Invasive non-native plant species, sometimes also referred to as ‘invasive alien species’, is part of plant biosecurity and falls within the remit of the LI Biosecurity Group.The topic of invasive non-native species is emotive, as demonstrated by the terms used. It is often specifically associated as an issue with non-natives, whereas the actual problem is ultra-competitiveness in inappropriate locations, regardless of whether the plant is ‘native’ or if the location is a nature reserve or garden. Hence, the LI Biosecurity Group is adopting the broader ‘ultra-competitive’ plants approach.The Group is preparing data sheets for specific ultra-competitive plants, starting with Ailanthus. We would welcome other suggestions for the data sheets; if anyone would like to suggest a plant, or prepare a data sheet on their particular favourite troublesome plant, please contact technical@landscapeinstitute.org

Data sheets

• LI Ultra-competitive Plant Species Data Sheet No 1: Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven) | August 2017
• LI Ultra-competitive Plant Species Data Sheet No 2: Cotoneaster | January 2018

Other resources

GB Non Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) website provides a wealth of information  www.nonnativespecies.org/home/index.cfm.  Their role is explained at http://www.nonnativespecies.org/index.cfm?sectionid=46.Information on the European Commission List of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern and associate FAQ document for UK stakeholders is available at http://www.nonnativespecies.org/index.cfm?sectionid=7.The EC legislation: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/invasivealien/index_en.htmGreat Britain Invasive Non-native Species Strategy Aug 2015 UK Govt: available with implementation plan from http://www.nonnativespecies.org/index.cfm?sectionid=55Invasive Non-native Species and Wildlife Disease by Joint Nature Conservation Committee http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-5150IPPC Seminar on Invasive Alien Species: Trends and Patterns of Invasion, Global Impacts, and Possible responses, 29 September 2015: video and presentation available https://www.ippc.int/en/news/the-ippc-seminar-on-invasive-alien-species-trends-and-patterns-of-invasion-global-impacts-and-possible-responses/RHS provides succinct, informative and comprehensive information, including the programme for banning the sale of the plants of Union Concern: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=530http://www.cabi.org/isc/  database compendium of international invasive species, their history, distribution, impact management, (e.g. http://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/31580 skunk cabbage)http://www.planttracker.org.uk/ app to help track down invasive non-native plant species which are a threat to native wildlife in the UK. – great maps of invasions!Wildlife and Countryside Link of UK voluntary organisations http://www.wcl.org.uk/ has a working group on invasives https://www.wcl.org.uk/invasive.asp and news items e.g.  http://www.wcl.org.uk/uk-adopts-eu-legislation-to-tackle-invasive-species.aspWater Framework Directive (wfd) UK TAG, alien species: various useful documents: http://www.wfduk.org/tagged/alien-speciesInvasive Non Native Species Horticultural Code of Practice  www.nonnativespecies.org//index.cfm?pageid=299Plantlife website includes useful downloads on invasive non-native species http://www.plantlife.org.uk/our_work/campaigns/inns/Training courses/providers: http://www.nonnativespecies.org/index.cfm?sectionid=125e-learning modules on invasive non-native species, introduction and freshwater plants: http://insight-learning.co.uk/portal.htmWalesThe NNSS website covers Wales and Scotland as do many of the others above.http://gov.wales/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingandcountryside/plantsseedsbiotechnology/invasive-non-native-species/?lang=enhttp://www.biodiversitywales.org.uk/Invasive-Non-Native-Grouphttps://naturalresources.wales/guidance-and-advice/business-sectors/forestry/woodlands-and-the-environment/woodland-species/invasive-non-native-species-in-woodlands/?lang=enScotlandThe NNSS website covers Wales and Scotland as do many of the others above.http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Environment/Wildlife-Habitats/InvasiveSpecieshttps://www.sepa.org.uk/environment/biodiversity/invasive-non-native-species/http://www.invasivespeciesscotland.org.uk/http://www.snh.gov.uk/protecting-scotlands-nature/nonnative-species/http://www.biodiversityscotland.gov.uk/duty/do-it/building/invasive/Northern Irelandhttps://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/invasive-plantshttps://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/invasive-alien-species#skip-linkhttps://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/invasive-alien-species-strategy-northern-irelandhttp://www2.habitas.org.uk/records/ISIhttp://invasivespeciesireland.com/