What are Invasive Weeds?

Several types of plants have been designated as invasive
weeds. A number of these species are land based, whilst
others thrive in aquatic situations.

Some of these invasive plants are native species that
flourish under ideal growing conditions, others are non-native
plants that have been introduced to this country either by
accident, as a consequence of commerce or brought in
by collectors.

Not all non-native plant species become troublesome, but when they do
they are extremely difficult to control. Native species are less of an ecological
problem than non-native plants and do less physical damage.

The damage caused and high cost of removal of invasive, non-native species is massive.

As an example, government statistics show that the costs for eradicating Japanese knotweed has been estimated at £1.5 – 2.6 billion and for Himalayan balsam between £150-300 million.

Responsibility

The responsibility for dealing with invasive weeds rests with the individual landowners.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), Illegal planting of certain invasive plant species, allowing their spread or not disposing of waste-matter correctly, can bring major penalties. Magistrates can impose a maximum penalty of £5,000 and up to six months in prison. In the most serious situations, a Crown Court can impose an unlimited fine and a maximum of two years in prison.