Extreme weather is opening the floodgates to nature invaders in the UK

• Increased flooding in the UK is creating perfect conditions for the spread of damaging invasive non-native species (INNS) including well-known problem plants like Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed
  
• Flooding and increased temperatures risk the establishment of new invasive species in the UK, with animals including Red Imported Fire Ants known to spread via floodwater
• As well as making invasive species spread more likely, excessive rainfall and flooding is hampering the work of local groups to control nature invaders

As Invasive Non-Native Species Week (20th – 26th May) gets underway nature groups including The Rivers Trust, Plantlife, and Buglife are calling for Government action to stop a flood of new nature invaders arriving and spreading in the UK due to more extreme weather.
With the last 18 months being the wettest period in England since records began in 1836, experts are warning of a potential surge in the impacts of invasive species which are known to thrive in wet conditions. These include known problem species that are already established in the UK but which grow and/or spread quickly in wet weather, such as: Japanese Knotweed (which can cause structural damage), Giant Hogweed (with sap that can cause burns to skin) and Himalayan Balsam (which outcompetes native species and can cause riverbank damage and river-clogging causing higher flood-risk).
Richard Benwell, CEO of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: “As climate change brings increasingly volatile weather, the risk of invasive species spreading will grow. Invasive species are already one of the biggest threats to the UK environment, from smothering waterways to outcompeting native species. They also cause billions of pounds in damage a year to homes and businesses, and even pose risks to human health. Investment in a fully-funded inspectorate and a strong invasive species strategy could make a contribution to halting nature’s decline and creating a more resilient economy.”

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Disclaimer: the views expressed in these news pages do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of CJS.

Extreme weather is opening the floodgates to nature invaders in the UK

• Increased flooding in the UK is creating perfect conditions for the spread of damaging invasive non-native species (INNS) including well-known problem plants like Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed
• Flooding and increased temperatures risk the establishment of new invasive species in the UK, with animals including Red Imported Fire Ants known to spread via floodwater
• As well as making invasive species spread more likely, excessive rainfall and flooding is hampering the work of local groups to control nature invaders

As Invasive Non-Native Species Week (20th – 26th May) gets underway nature groups including The Rivers Trust, Plantlife, and Buglife are calling for Government action to stop a flood of new nature invaders arriving and spreading in the UK due to more extreme weather.

With the last 18 months being the wettest period in England since records began in 1836, experts are warning of a potential surge in the impacts of invasive species which are known to thrive in wet conditions. These include known problem species that are already established in the UK but which grow and/or spread quickly in wet weather, such as: Japanese Knotweed (which can cause structural damage), Giant Hogweed (with sap that can cause burns to skin) and Himalayan Balsam (which outcompetes native species and can cause riverbank damage and river-clogging causing higher flood-risk).

CJS is not responsible for content of external sites. Details believed correct but given without prejudice.
Disclaimer: the views expressed in these news pages do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of CJS.