Alien Nation
Non-native:
An introduced species living outside its native distributional range, but which has arrived there by human activity, either deliberate or accidental. Non-native species can have various effects on the local ecosystem.
Invasive:
An invasive species can be any kind of living organism that is not native to an ecosystem and causes harm to the environment, the economy, or even human health therefore an invasive species can't be a native species.
Introduced in 1839, Himalayan Balsam needs dealing with before it sets seed. If control is undertaken early enough to prevent flowering (and if this is achieved before seed has set) then eradication is possible in two or three years. We recommend that the Himalayan Balsam should be disposed of by burning. If this is done on a regular basis, it will eventually die out. Local names include Nuns, Jumping Jack, as well as Policeman's Helmet, Bobby Tops and Gnome's Hatstand.
The 37 species that have been listed meet the criteria set out in Article 4 of the Invasive Alien Species Regulation, which relates to their invasiveness and ability to establish in several Member States. The validity of the evidence supplied against each of the criterion has been established by scientifically robust risk assessments, and approved by a Committee of Member State representatives. All 37 species will now be subject to the Restrictions set out in Article 7 of the Invasive Alien Species Regulation. These include restrictions on keeping, importing, transporting, selling, exchanging, breeding, growing or releasing to the environment. More information about what these restrictions mean can be found on the GB non-native species secretariat’s website.
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What does this mean in light of Brexit?
The EU Regulation on invasive alien species came into force on 1 January 2015, and at its core is taking a preventative approach to invasive alien species with the development of the list of IAS of Union concern. The Invasive Alien Species Regulation will continue to apply while the UK remains a member of the EU. Therefore, this includes the restrictions and the requirement to work cooperatively with EU member states.
Even if the UK does leave the EU, the Invasive Alien Species Regulation could be transposed into UK legislation. If not, then there is an opportunity to start with a clean slate, learn from past lessons and set out new legislation for tackling invasive species in the UK. Whatever the outcome for the IAS Regulation, it is clear that the UK will need to continue to work closely with neighbouring countries to prevent the inflow and outflow of invasive alien species.
