‘Buy British plants to protect native species’
WILDLIFE from red squirrels to earthworms and juniper trees are among those most at risk from invasive species, conservationists have warned.
Experts are calling for strict government plant import rules and want gardeners to “buy British” to avoid bringing in alien species that could threaten more of Britain’s nature.
Wildlife and Countryside Link, a coalition of nature groups, has revealed the 10 native species it considers most at risk from invasive plants, animals and fungi, through disease, competition or being eaten.
The list contains well-known animals such as the red squirrel, which has suffered a 96 per cent drop in numbers since its grey cousin arrived from America in
the 19th century. Water voles lost 94 per cent of their range due to predation by American mink released from fur farms.
Even the common earthworm is being preyed on by New Zealand flatworms that were introduced to the UK through imported potted plants, soils and compost, while the freshwater shrimp is under threat from “killer shrimp”.
Native oysters, white-clawed crayfish, depressed river mussels and Manx shearwaters – birds whose populations are threatened by brown and black rats on their island homes – are also at risk.
Juniper – one of the UK’s rarest trees and a key ingredient in gin – is in danger from the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora austrocedri, while ash trees are being hit by a non-native fungus.
Dr Richard Benwell, chief executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: “Prevention is better than cure so it’s important to stop further invasive species before they gain a foothold.
“Improved biosecurity measures are vital to prevent harmful species from hitching a hidden lift into the country in plants, trees and soil.”
Craig Macadam, conservation director at Buglife, added: “By buying home-grown British plants you can help to prevent invasive species reaching your garden and our countryside.
“While these species may be harmless in their native environments they can wreak havoc here, which is why we need much stricter controls.”
An Environment Department spokesman said: “We continually assess the changing threats to plant biosecurity, with a robust regime to minimise risks, enhance safeguards and meet World Trade Organisation standards on protective measures. Invasive non-native species costs the economy £1.86billion a year – we are committed to reducing this impact.”