Slowing the spread of invasive non-native species

The non-native, invasive species that plague the UK are a huge problem not to be underestimated, given that they are a key driver of declining biodiversity, can threaten our key infrastructure and cause serious economic damage. Our researchers work to improve our biosecurity and protect our ecosystems.

Human activity is the biggest factor in species moving around, and that’s obviously a huge challenge – but it’s also an opportunity, because it’s something we can try to change.

—Professor Alison Dunn

Impact

• Civic engagement: collaboration with the government's Environment Agency to discover the most effective ways to treat invasive species
• Knowledge exchange: created training resources and biosecurity guides for the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Key information

• Partners and collaborators: Environment Agency, South West Water, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
• Disciplines: environment, biology, water
• Investigators: Professor Claire Quinn and Professor Alison Dunn

Keywords: biodiversity, biosecurity, environment, invasive species, native species, nature, water quality, water safety, wildlife