WWT welcomes new invasives idea
New proposals to strengthen legal protection for Britain’s native plants and animals have been welcomed by the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.
Native wildlife is threatened by species from other countries that can sometimes outcompete them for food and space. While current law allows authorities to enter private land under some circumstances for species control, a new law has been proposed to introduce species control orders which would apply wherever they were necessary.
The proposal comes from the Law Commission, an independent body set up by Parliament to review laws and recommend improvements. It’s the first proposal they’ve announced as a result of an ongoing wide-ranging review of wildlife law.
WWT Head of Conservation Policy, Carrie Hume said:
“Britain’s much-loved plants and animals are under relentless attack. We see this in wetlands where species like the South American yellow primrose can form dense mats that suffocate our plants and aquatic animals.
“Non-native invasive species already cost the economy around £2bn per year and that will rise exponentially if they get out of control.
“We’re pleased both the Government and the Law Commission see the urgency in the threat of invasive species and are acting quickly to publish proposals.
“Tackling invasive species is about working together, not punishing anyone. We welcome the proposal that a control order should be a last resort, but a necessary one for the good of the wider countryside if removal can’t be agreed with a landowner.”
