Little UK Biosecurity Cash Used to Tackle Invasives

 

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (ALPHA) have established that only a tiny fraction of the UK's substantial biosecurity budget is spent tacking invasive species. Invasives endanger British wildlife (including Water voles and ladybirds); homes (e.g. Japanese knotweed); businesses and local green spaces (e.g. rampant rhododendron). The only invasive currently receiving a lot of attention, is the Asian hornet, a serious danger to Honey bees and other pollinators (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/12/less-than-1-of-uk-biosecurity-budget-goes-on-tackling-invasive-species-figures-show). It makes you wonder about the focus of the UK's biosecurity. Invasives can't be left to volunteers and local enthusiasts . ALPHA confirm that local groups have received only £250,000 of the total millions.