The Great Britain non-native species mechanism
A GB Programme Board is in place to deliver strategic consideration of the threat of invasive non-native species across GB. This Board is made up of senior representatives from across GB Administrations and their agencies and it is supported by an independent Secretariat.
This was set up in response to recommendations from the Non-Native Species Review (Defra, 2003), which found that there was a need for a single co-ordinating body for non-native species issues.
A stakeholder forum is held annually. For more information see the GB Non-native Species Secretariat website
Invasive Non-Native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain
The Scottish Government along with Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government launched the Invasive Non-native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain on 28th May 2008. Its overarching aim is to minimise the risk posed and reduce the negative impacts caused by invasive non-native species in Great Britain. It is intended to provide a strategic framework within which the actions of government departments, their related bodies and key stakeholders can be better coordinated.
Scottish Working Group
The Scottish Working Group was set up in March 2006 to ensure effective policy co-ordination and practical implementation in Scotland.
If you would like more information, please email invasivespecies@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Scottish Natural Heritage Species Action Framework
The Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) Species Action Framework (January, 2007) sets out a framework for the management of species in Scotland and provides a list of species for which clear, targeted action over the next five years could make the most difference to biodiversity.
There are 6 invasive non-native species included in the Species Action Framework:
American mink (Mustela vision), North American signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus), New Zealand pygmyweed (Crassula helmsii) Rhododendron ponticum and hybrids, and wireweed (Sargassum muticum). Grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is also included in the Framework under red squirrel.
Further information can be found on the SNH website