Tougher Enforcement Rules For Invasive Species

The Government's intention to introduce a broader range of penalties for offences involving invasive non-native animal and plant species in England and Wales has been outlined in a new consultation document.

"Tackling Invasive Non-native Species, A New Enforcement Regime" issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (the Consultation) seeks views on the introduction of new measures, and the strengthening of existing ones, to manage, prevent, detect and eradicate a number of invasive plants and animals. 49 species are listed in total, several of which are common within the UK, including the grey squirrel, muntjac deer, floating pennywort and giant hogweed. As Japanese Knotweed is already controlled under an existing legal framework in the UK (which includes the use of Species Control Agreements and Species Control Orders), the plant is not included in the Consultation's list of invasive species; views are, however, sought as to the appropriateness