Survey methods and ID guides for invasive non-native species, pests and diseases

The pink flower of a Himalayan balsam

Invasive Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is widespread across the UK © Image by Hans from Pixabay

There are many non-native species in the UK, but only a small number of these are invasive, meaning that they have serious negative impacts on our native British species.

This catalogue contains a few surveys and ways of reporting some of these species, as well as some priority pests and diseases.

Download the full catalogue (PDF 1.1MB), or read the highlights below.

Nature Recording Hub

Discover how to record the wildlife in your urban environment.

Survey methods and ID guides for invasive non-native species, pests and diseases

Download the full catalogue of survey methods and ID guides for invasive non-native species, pests and diseases

Highlighted surveys

Observatree

Led by Forest Research

The homepage of the Observatree project, which aims to use citizen science as an early warning system for tree health.

The site lists priority tree pests and diseases which Observatree would most like to hear about. These pests and diseases are of the highest concern either because they are most likely to arrive in the UK, have already arrived and we are concerned about their spread, or have the potential to cause the most serious and widespread impacts.

If you see any of these, report them through Forest Research's Tree Alert.

Mitten crab watch

Natural History Museum

Chinese mitten crabs are an invasive species whose spread in the UK requires continuous updating. Everyone can monitor their distribution by reporting sightings. They occur in rivers, canals and estuaries.

Invasive garden pond plant species

Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust

A list and guide to some of the most problematic invasive garden pond plants.