Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS)
Help stop the spread of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) on the Gwent Levels by reporting sightings
An Invasive Non-Native Species is any species not native to UK that can spread causing damage to the environment, the economy, our health and the way we live.
The connected reens and ditches of the Gwent Levels are very important for wildlife, but also mean that INNS could spread quickly. We want to ensure that the threats posed by invasive non-native species to the Gwent Levels’ natural wildlife are understood, managed and that future impacts are minimised.
The key to protecting the Gwent Levels is preventing INNS from establishing and where feasible controlling or managing those that are already established.
This guide will help you to identify some of the INNS already found on the Gwent Levels and some possible new-comers for which you should be on high alert.
It also gives advice on how to take action that will help prevent the spread of INNS.
Get INNS-volved!
Do your bit to help tackle INNS:
Biosecurity
Biosecurity helps prevent the spread of INNS and can be as simple as cleaning your boots or drying your equipment thoroughly.
Check out the non-native species secretariat biosecurity pages or complete the free biosecurity e-learning at www.nonnativespecies.org/elearning/.
Follow national campaigns
Check – Clean - Dry
Check your gear after leaving the water for mud, aquatic animals or plant material. Remove anything you find and leave it at the site.
Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can, paying attention to nets, waders, and areas that are damp and hard to access. Use hot tap water, if possible.
Dry everything for as long as possible before using elsewhere as some invasive plants and animals can survive for two weeks in damp conditions.
www.nonnativespecies.org/checkcleandry/
“Be Plant Wise”
Know what you can grow
Compost with care
Stop the spread
More information
For more information on recording INNS, species information, current projects, and treatment please visit the Great Britain Non-Native Species Secretariat website.
See Natural Resources Wales Invasive Alien Species Licensing pages for further information on plants and animals covered by the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement & Permitting) Order 2019.
Spotted an Invasive Non-Native Species?
If you think you have spotted any of the species featured here then we want to know about it.
It’s super easy to send a record with your smartphone using the LERC Wales biological recording app:
Take a photo if you can.
You can also send your record in manually via the Local Record Centre: www.sewbrec.org.uk/
Alien Invaders Challenge
Are you looking for challenging activities for your learners? Then look no further than the Alien Invaders Challenge!
Download a copy of Welsh Governments’ ‘Be Plant Wise’ booklet (PDF, 900KB)
Download a copy of Invasive Non-Native Species booklet (PDF, 2.6MB)