Benefits
Invasive species are considered to be the one of the most important threats to global biodiversity.
The costs of controlling them are unquantified, but globally, the cost of damage caused by invasive species has been estimated to be £1 trillion per year (CABI 2008). In 1995 an estimated £45 million had been spent to control Rhododendron in Snowdonia alone (Gritten, 1995). Eradication of Japanese Knotweed in the UK could cost £1.56 billion (Defra 2003).
Early recognition and control of invasive species may help reduce both the environmental and economic costs.
On completion of this course, delegates will have gained:
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Awareness of, and the ability to recognise common invasive species.
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Knowledge of the environmental costs of common invasive species
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Knowledge of the principal control methods for common invasive species
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Awareness of the potential management costs for invasive species control
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Awareness of the main legal requirements surrounding selected invasive species.
Course content
- What is an invasive species?
- Introduction to invasive species (terrestrial and aquatic, plants and animals) in the UK
- The ecology and environmental impact of selected invasive species.
- Recognition of invasive species in a variety of habitats.
- Control methods for common invasive species with associated costs
- The regulatory framework
- Future directions
The course will include a combination of classroom and field based content and will end with an ID and control methods quiz.
