Invasive alien species are not just the stuff of 1950s science fiction films, but are now one of the greatest threats facing British wildlife today.

In May 2008 DEFRA launched the first co-ordinated plan to reduce the threat of non-native species, the plan includes developing a web-based central directory, developing ways to educate people on the risks of non-native species and developing a clear framework for rapid responses when invasive species are identified in the UK for the first time.

These non-native invaders can have a serious impact on our wildlife, and are estimated to be costing the British economy several billion pounds a year.  Climate change is encouraging more and more species of both non-native animals and plants to penetrate our eco system.  Our lifestyle is also playing a part in the dispersal of species into new habitats throughout the world, via global trade, tourism and travel.

The Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica) was first introduced to the UK in 1680 as an ornamental plant and has gradually infiltrated our woodlands. First recorded in the wild in 1909, by 2003 it was found in one in six woodland sites, invading our native bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta). This is causing the loss of the genetic distinctiveness of our native variety.

Other invaders such as floating pennywort, North American signal crayfish and  Rhododendron ponticum can cause damage to forestry, agriculture and fisheries.

Some invasive plants can even cause a threat to humans and livestock, such as ragwort and giant hogweed whose sap causes extremely painful blisters that can repeatedly flare up in sunlight years later. Japanese knotweed is notorious for invading brownfield sites, road verges and rail embankments where it can force its way up through tarmac and paving.

Risk assessment and early detection are essential to identify problem species before too much harm is done.  Thomson Habitats have recently identified and controlled outbreaks of Japanese knotweed at sites in Sussex, London and Scotland, outbreaks of Himalayan balsam in Yorkshire, Surrey and Scotland and Ragwort in Herefordshire.

No doubt this will not be the last time that Thomson Habitats comes to the rescue of our native environment.

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The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to plant or cause giant hogweed to grow in the wild. Giant hogweed is a perennial and as its name indicates, it is characterized by its size and may grow 5-7m (15-20 ft) tall.

Japanese knotweed is native to Japan, Taiwan and China, and was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant in the early 19th century. As stated by DEFRA it is listed on Schedule 9 and subject to section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to plant, or cause this species to grow in the wild.

Thomson Habitats designs, creates and restores habitats for wildlife. This includes creating hibernacula for reptiles, ponds for great crested newts, replanting trees and hedgerows, developing wetland areas following civil engineering work and dealing with invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed or giant hogweed.

For further information please contact: Libby Crew, Marketing Manager, Thomson Habitats Ltd by telephone on 01483 466066, by fax: on 01483 303182 or email: enquiries@thomsonhabitats.com   

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