Invasive non-native species

Invasive non-native species damage our environment, the economy, our health and the way we live. The threat is increasing with the growth in international trade and travel. But we can all do something to help stop their spread.

The Code of Practice on Non-Native Species sets out a framework of responsibilities for bodies with powers relating to non-native species.

NatureScot is the lead organisation for non-native species on land, including:

• wetlands and bankside vegetation
• all land animals (vertebrates and invertebrates)

Other organisations have responsibilities for non-native species elsewhere:

• Marine Scotland – marine environment
• Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) – freshwater (still and flowing)
• Forestry Commission Scotland – woodland and other habitats on the National Forest Estate

Find out more

The Scottish Action Plan for INNS 2026–2032 aims to prevent, detect, eliminate and control new and existing INNS in Scotland. We have developed this plan in response to a key action the Scottish Biodiversity Delivery Plan. It adopts an integrated approach to prevent new INNS becoming established in Scotland and stopping their spread to uninvaded island, river catchments and regions.  

The Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) is an exciting and ambitious 4-year partnership project set up to tackle invasive non-native species alongside rivers and watercourses in northern Scotland.

Invasive non-native species – Species Action Framework Handbook