Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) Surveys
Identify, map and manage invasive species to protect your project and the environment.
What This Service Involves
INNS surveys focus on identifying plants (and sometimes animals) that are not native to the UK but that have been introduced (intentionally or accidentally) and which can spread and cause damage to habitats, biodiversity, infrastructure or water systems. These species are often subject to regulation, and their management is increasingly expected as part of ecological due diligence.
During an INNS Survey We:
Desk Study
Carry out a desk study of records and historic data for your site and its surroundings.
Site Visit / Walkover
Conduct a site visit to locate and map any INNS present, assessing their extent, density, and proximity to key receptors.
Risk Assessment
Identify the risk of spread (both onsite and off-site) and note any pathways for spread (e.g. watercourses, soil movement, machinery, planting stock).
Report and Mapping
Produce a report and map showing which species are present (or absent), where they occur, and recommend next steps for management or eradication.
Why You Might Need an INNS Survey
- Planning expectations: Many planning applications, construction/land-use changes or infrastructure projects increasingly expect you to demonstrate that you've considered INNS and their potential impacts (both ecological and on adjacent land/habitats).
- Project success: INNS can seriously undermine the success of your project: for example, an invasive plant might spread into retained habitats, interfere with habitat creation or landscaping, damage soils or foundations, or reduce biodiversity value.
- Legal obligations: Certain INNS are regulated under law (plants listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) and you have a duty not to allow their spread.
- Due diligence: Having a clear baseline survey allows you to plan management, budget for any required works, avoid surprises (such as discovering a large infestation later) and show due diligence to planners, regulators and stakeholders.
What Our INNS Survey Service Includes
- Desk-based review of available records for INNS in the local area.
- A site visit by an experienced ecologist, using appropriate methods to locate and map INNS.
- Assessment of the species found, their density, their distribution, the pathways for spread (including off-site risk) and remediation potential.
- Mapping of INNS locations and extents.
- A clear report with findings, impact assessment (what the presence of the INNS means for your project), and recommendations (e.g., containment, removal, monitoring, biosecurity measures).
- Advice on next steps: e.g., management plans, timescales for removal/eradication, integrating the work into your project programme.
- Optional follow-up support for management/eradication works if required.
Legislation, Policy & Good Practice
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
Schedule 9 lists many invasive non-native plant species and it is an offence to plant, and for certain species allow their spread in the wild.
The Benefits to You
Avoid Costly Surprises
Early identification of INNS risk reduces the chance of costly surprises later in your project (e.g. discovering a large Japanese knotweed stand when you're digging foundations).
Stronger Submissions
Strengthens planning and ecological submissions by showing you have addressed invasive species, not just native habitat/species.
Plan & Budget
Allows you to plan for remediation, budget and schedule management of INNS rather than reacting ad-hoc.
Reduced Risk
Reduces ecological, legal and reputational risk by showing you're managing a known threat to biodiversity and project delivery.
Better Ecological Outcomes
Improves the long-term ecological outcome of your site (by preventing spread of INNS into retained/enhanced habitats).