Invasive non-native species are affecting the biodiversity of different countries. In the UK, the introduction of the grey squirrel has affected the population of our native red squirrel. What about plants though? The introduction of non-indigenous species of animals and plants, such as Japanese knotweed is thought to be having a significant impact on the British environment. Cabi (a scientific organisation) estimate that this is costing us £251 million in Scotland, £133 million in Wales and £1 billion to the British horticulture and agriculture industries.
Damaging species include rhododendron and giant hogweed.
Giant hogweed and Japanese knotweed are squeezing native plants from road verges, riverbanks and wild land in Scotland. Woodland habitats are being put at risk as a result of rhododendron infestation.
Native plants, such as the Scottish wild hyacinth is at increasing risk due to hybridisation from plant seeds escaping from gardens.
Exotic plants that are allowed to escaped into the wider environment can cause damage to the existing environments.
Whilst, most people would recognise that non-native plants can benefit the horticulture and agriculture of a country, the difficulties arise when the non-native species are planted in the wild and begin to spread into new habitats.
Tracey Jones
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