Invasive Species Survey

Invasive plant species, such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and rhododendron, which were introduced into the UK as ornamental plants, have the potential to take over large areas of habitat.

 

This can reduce the success of native floral species and, in some cases, cause damage and erosion to habitats such as river banks.

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It is an offence ‘to plant or otherwise encourage’ the growth of invasive plant species listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (WCA) 1981 (as amended) in the wild.

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An Invasive Plant Survey can identify invasive plant species within the survey area and provide mitigation and control recommendations.

 

Invasive species can cause significant harm to native wildlife, people, and buildings if left unchecked.

There are some species, such as Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), whose presence on-site can restrict working practices as well as causing soil and materials to be classified as controlled waste which requires specialist disposal, increasing costs and project time-scales.

Species such as Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) can also be injurious to the general public and site workers.

 

Invasive species surveys can be undertaken as "stand-alone" surveys, as part of Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, or as part of Ecological and Environmental Impact Assessments, and the requirement to undertake an invasive species survey is usually determined during a Phase 1 Survey.

 

Unfortunately, these species can appear in almost all water and land areas, including those covered by concrete, so any project could need an invasive species survey.

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The survey season for invasive species varies depending on the species and survey outcomes, although the preferred timing is between April and September when plants are growing more vigorously and most animals are active.