The London Invasive Species Initiative

1. The London Invasive Species Initiative Joanna Heisse – joanna.heisse@environment-agency.gov.uk Biodiversity Officer May 2011

2. Introduction • Why the group was set up • What the group is about • How the group operates • When action will begin • Your involvement

3. Invasive species issues in London Natural environment under pressure Heavily built environment and infrastructure High risk of new and emerging species appearing – commercial port, 5 airports and large markets Source of invasive species Invasive species can be emotive Greater potential for inconsistent approaches to management

4. The London Invasive Species Initiative • Network under the London Biodiversity Partnership – 26 organisations to date • Encourages collaborative working and co-ordination of existing resources. • Follows a national framework and guidance. • Relevant to London’s unique environmental resource.

5. Objectives and achievements to date Data Action plans Facilitating action Linking research and practice Early warning system Awareness raising Species selection GIGL - Data Instigating projects

6. Species selection • Established methodology trialled by Natural England in Norfolk and Cumbria. • Compiled from existing lists of recognised invasive non-native species • 64 species: • 43 plants – 15 wetland and freshwater species • 21 animals – 14 aquatic species • Split into 5 categories • Added to GIGL data searches and reports

7. High risk species not present in London • Look to raise awareness, prevent establishment and respond rapidly to new records. • 8 species Photo courtesy of Phase4 Environmental Limited Killer shrimp – Dikerogammarus villosus

8. GBNNSS © J. Haxaire Asian hornet – Vespa velutina American bullfrog – Rana catesbiana Carolina water-shield – Cabomba caroliniana RPS Group

9. High risk species present at specific sites • Should be priorities for management or eradication • Possible eradication in London • 19 species- mixed Pale galingale – Cyperus eragrostis Water primrose - Ludwigia grandiflora

10. Widespread species in need of large scale action • High impact species which will require concerted and widespread effort to tackle • Need for action plans and effective collaboration • 11 species Floating pennywort on the river Wandle

11. Additional categories • Widespread species where eradication is unfeasible – e.g.: Chinese mitten crab and crayfish • Species where there was insufficient data or evidence to categorise – e.g.: Foxglove tree and curly water thyme • Species not currently considered a risk but in need of ‘watching briefs’ – e.g.: water-hyacinth and passion flower. Chinese mitten crab Passion flower

12. How we plan to work • Re-direct existing resources • Collaboration and synergy • Quick wins • Linking to volunteer groups • Providing training, support and technical advice • Linking to national campaigns • Collation of data and evidence • Potential future LISI coordinator

13. What you should do to help • Think about the resource you can bring. eg: Officer time, links to volunteer groups, action on the ground, championing a species, piloting new management approaches, funding. • Focus and prioritise local action in line with LISI • Report achievements to LISI • Share data with GIGL

14. Thank you Questions? Joanna Heisse – joanna.heisse@environment-agency.gov.uk