Invasive Species

Total Estimated Cost

The overall economic cost of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) to the UK is estimated at over £2 billion per year (Source: GB Non-native Species Secretariat, 2010 report).
This includes control measures, damage repair, lost productivity, and environmental degradation.

Sector Estimated Annual Cost

  • Infrastructure - £166 million
  • Agriculture - £200 million
  • Water Management - over £25 million
  • Forestry & Biodiversity - tens of millions
  • Overall Damage to the Economy - over £2 billion

Examples:

  • Aquatic invasives (eg. floating pennywort, Himalayan balsam etc.) block waterways and damage riverbanks.
  • Pests such as oak processionary moth damage trees and pose public health risks.
  • Japanese Knotweed is one of the most costly invasive species.
  • Damages buildings, roads, and flood defences.
  • Property devaluation and difficulties obtaining mortgages.
  • Estimated annual cost: Over £166 million in control and damage repair.