Non-native species are those that have been introduced, deliberately or accidentally, by humans. Invasive non-native species damage our environment, the economy, our health and the way we live.

Find out more about the problem of aquatic invasive species and what precautions you can take to help prevent their spread.

Invasive non-native species can harm our environment, and are costing at least £1.7 billion each year. Further information on Directgov

How are we tackling non-native species issues?

The vast majority of non-native species introduced to Great Britain over the millennia have caused no significant harm.  However, given suitable conditions, some non-native species can become invasive causing harm to our native biodiversity and the economy.  The Invasive Non-Native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain provides a co-ordinated and structured approach to dealing with non-native species. Its overall aim is to minimise the risk posed, and reduce the negative impacts caused by invasive non-native species in Great Britain. The Economic Cost of Invasive Non-Native Species to the British Economy indicates the economic cost of invasive non-native species can be wide ranging and invasive species cost the British economy £1.7 billion every year.

Non-native species Secretariat

The Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS) is the focal point for implementation of the Great Britain Strategy and through its various functions, supports the Great Britain Programme Board, partner organisations and other individual stakeholder bodies in this regard.

Key facts and figures

The NNSS website provides further information about invasive non-native species.

Relevant legislation

• The key legislation controlling the release (and escape) of non-native species in Britain is section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.

Section 14: Introduction of new species

Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person releases or allows to escape into the wild any animal which:

• is of a kind which is not ordinarily resident in and is not a regular visitor to Britain in a wild state; or
• is included in Part I of Schedule 9, he shall be guilty of an offence.

Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person plants or otherwise causes to grow in the wild any plant which is included in Part II of Schedule 9, he shall be guilty of an offence.

• Guidance on understanding the scope of section 14 (PDF 150 KB)
• Species currently listed on Schedule 9 (PDF 60 KB)
• Section 14 does not apply to anything done under and in accordance with the terms of a section 16 licence granted by the appropriate authority. Natural England [www.naturalengland.org.uk] is the licensing authority for England, except for the release of non-native biological control agents into the environment in England (the use of natural predators instead of chemicals to control pests in agriculture or the environment), which is licensed by the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera)
• Other sector specific legislation includes The Import of Live Fish (England and Wales) Act 1980, The Destructive Imported Animals Act 1932, and Orders under those Acts.
• Legislation can be viewed on the Office of Public Sector Information website