Invasive Non-native Species and Biosecurity Awareness

Invasive non-native species can spread quickly and cause long-term harm to ecosystems, infrastructure, and public health. Preventing that spread depends on early recognition, informed action, and consistent biosecurity practice.
This LANTRA-accredited one-day course builds practical awareness for those who may encounter invasive species through their work and need to know what to do when they do.

Course overview

Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) are becoming increasingly widespread across the UK. Species such as Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam, oak processionary moth, and Asian hornet pose environmental, financial, cultural, and social risks if not identified and managed appropriately.

This course develops operational awareness and practical response capability for people working across land-based, environmental, and outdoor sectors. It focuses on recognising common invasive species in the field, understanding the risks they present, and applying proportionate action to prevent their spread.

Training also emphasises biosecurity as a routine working practice, covering personal, equipment, and vehicle controls, waste handling, and responsible sourcing. The aim is to support informed decision-making on site, reduce accidental transmission, and ensure legal and organisational responsibilities are met.

Key benefits

• Recognise common invasive non-native species encountered during outdoor work

• Understand the environmental, health, and economic risks associated with INNS

• Know what to do when invasive species are identified on site

• Apply practical biosecurity measures to people, vehicles, and equipment

• Reduce the risk of unintentional spread between sites

• Support compliance with legislation and good environmental practice

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Explain what invasive non-native species are and why they present a risk

• Identify common invasive species in the field, including key plant and insect species

• Understand the environmental, financial, cultural, and social impacts of INNS

• Recognise relevant legislation and how it applies to your role

• Apply appropriate health and safety precautions when working around invasive species

• Respond correctly when invasive species are encountered during work activities

• Implement effective personal, equipment, and vehicle biosecurity measures

• Dispose of contaminated or infected waste appropriately

• Create and use a practical biosecurity kit

Who should attend

This course is suitable for:

• Anyone working outdoors or in land-based roles

• Grounds maintenance, landscaping, and estate staff

• Environmental, highways, and infrastructure teams

• Supervisors and managers responsible for site operations

• Anyone who may encounter invasive species through their work and needs clear guidance on identification, reporting, and prevention