The Non-native Species Inspectorate (NNSI) became operational in 2021 as a team of 4 and has steadily grown to its current compliment of 16 staff based across Great Britain. They effectively act as the ‘boots on the ground’ when it comes to enforcement of legislation governing invasive species in Great Britain.
A significant amount of non-compliance with law, primarily the Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Order 2019, has been unearthed since operations began. The order specifically deals with ‘Species of Special Concern’ – of which there are 66. Non-compliance previously went unmeasured until data collection began.
Although the IAS Order gives inspectors powers to carry out enforcement work where necessary, education is always an important aspect of the role. Much of the non-compliance that has been found has been attributed to business owners or members of the public being simply unaware of the legislation and their obligations. In most cases, problems can be rectified by talking to clients and working with them to put things right.
Aside from carrying out inspections, another important role of the team is carrying out rapid response work and control/eradication of potentially invasive plants and animals in the wild. This work ranges from survey work carried out to establish the extent of infestations and their effects, to carrying out removal and eradications.
NNSI inspectors have recently been heavily involved in yellow legged hornet (also known as ‘Asian hornet’) control, particularly on the south coast of England. This has included spring trapping work. Traps are set to capture queen hornets early in the season to prevent them from establishing nests. Later in the season (mid to late summer and into autumn) trained staff have carried out yellow legged hornet nest destruction, as soon as these are detected or reported.
When it comes to plants, these can be just as destructive to the environment. One species that the team is currently working to eradicate from the wild is purple pitcher plant (Sarracenia purpurea). This is a carnivorous plant which thrives in bog habitats, which are particularly sensitive, rare, and home to many species under threat. At sites containing purple pitcher plant, these have been removed by hand and incinerated, taking care not to cause damage to the sensitive environment in which they are found.
One of the primary goals for the inspectorate is to prevent establishment of new invasive species in Great Britain – particularly those listed as Species of Special Concern. Two such species are raccoon (Procyon lotor) and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). When there are credible reports of animals such as these in the wild, rapid response work may be carried out to prevent local populations of these animals becoming established. Since 2021 the inspectorate has been involved in rapid response work in England, Wales and Scotland for both raccoons and raccoon dogs.
How can you help?
There are five simple things that everyone can do to help prevent the spread of invasive non-native species:
Learn more about the Non-native Species Inspectorate.
For information on non-native species and Invasive Species Week, visit the GB Non-native Species Secretariat website.
Rob Wakefield is Deputy Chief Non-native Species Inspector
The opinions expressed in this blog are the authors' and not necessarily those of the wider Link membership.
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