Be Plant Wise John Kelly

Overview Introduction Legislation Some species of concern Horticulture Code of Good Practice Be Plant Wise Spot the Alien Timetable for the Be Plant Wise launch

What is an 'invasive species'? 'invasive' 'exotic' 'species' 'non-native' 'impact' 'native' 'pest' 'nuisance species' 'alien' 'eco-system services' 'naturalized' 'biodiversity' 'eco-system'

In summary… Alien = exotic = introduced = non-native Invasive = pest = nuisance species

The Bigger Picture Second biggest threat to biodiversity worldwide -Biggest threat on islands The most important direct drivers of biodiversity loss and ecosystem service changes are habitat change …, climate change, invasive alien species, overexploitation, and pollution. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment report

Counting the Cost Invasive Species cost the European economy 12.7 billion/year Estimated in the UK at £1.7bn Compare with: Australia - £6.5bn Brazil - £25bn India - £58bn USA - £71bn, and South Africa - £3.5bn

Legislation in ROI The European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 – Regulation 49. Prohibition on introduction and dispersal of certain species – Regulation 50. Prohibition on dealing with and keeping certain species

Keith Hiscock ISSG Damien Offer Julia Nunn

Roy Anderson ISSG

Inland Fisheries Ireland

GB Non-native Species Secretariat

Controlling Invasive Species

Key Target Audiences

Horticulture Code of Good Practice Background Aims and Status of this Code of Good Practice Target audience Geographic coverage

Limit the spread of invasive species Avoid further spread of known invasive species Be aware of relevant legislation Dispose of waste responsibly

Guidance for buyers and importers Carry out a quick risk assessment of new species

Suppliers, retailers and purchasers Know what you are growing and buying Be aware of hitch-hiking pests on plants and in soil Provide alternatives to invasive species Provide advice on disposal: Be Plant Wise Label plants clearly and accurately – Trades Description Acts Promote your compliance with this Code of Good Practice

Control of invasive species Take advice on the best control techniques Control invasive non-native plants safely

Partnership marketing Engagement with retail sector – trusted intermediaries – influence gardeners on our behalf Participating in the campaign helps them be seen as responsible retailers Cost effective

Sourcing Plants (base: Gardeners; n=416) 32

Sources of Information about Plants (base: Gardeners; n=416) 33

Disposing of Plants (base: Gardeners; n=416) 34 4 respondents admitted to disposing of plants into the wild 2 admitted to planting them in the wild 1 admitted to putting aquatic plants into a pond, river or lake

Time table Public Launch – Thursday 8 th of March – Horticulture Code of Good Practice – Be Plant Wise: primary focus!