Figures suggest that less than 1% of the government’s biosecurity budget is allocated to combating invasive species, despite the risks they pose to British wildlife.
Conservationists argue that the current funding for addressing non-native plants and animals is insufficient and fails to match the threat they present to native species, such as water voles and ladybirds, as well as to waterways, homes, businesses, and green spaces.
They are calling for increased resources for border checks to prevent non-native species from entering the country and for funding local efforts to tackle the issue.
A freedom of information request by Wildlife and Countryside Link (WCL) revealed that only £2.47m of the estimated £250m biosecurity budget was spent on invasive species, with only £250,000 allocated to local groups.
Additionally, WCL noted that £22.7m of the wider biodiversity budget (approximately 3%) was allocated to combating all invasive species, including Asian hornets, which pose a threat to honeybees.
Research shows that efforts to combat the establishment of Japanese hornets in the UK have been successful, however WCL warns that the species is likely to eventually establish itself, highlighting the need for stronger border checks and resources.
