Stop importing invasive species!

The estimated annual cost to the UK economy caused by INNS is £ 4 billion. Preventing a species from being introduced and established is more cost-efficient than attempting to manage or eradicate a species once it arrives. Once established, INNS are nearly impossible to eradicate, and the costs associated with management are cumulative. An import ban on soils and growing media will decrease the costs associated with surveillance and detection while also reducing the burden on inspectors at borders.

The Government's lack of action in response to increased biosecurity threats is risking its ability to meet binding targets to halt and restore biodiversity. Closing the horticultural hitchhiking pathway by only importing bare-rooted plants will decrease the chance of some of the world's most invasive species entering the country. Banning soil and growing media imports will bring wider benefits for people and nature, including a reduction in peat extraction, an economic boost for UK growing industries, and ultimately stronger biosecurity through reduced reliance on imported goods. Following Brexit the European Union treats the UK as a third country for regulatory purposes, and therefore does not allow soils to be imported with plant materials; these requirements should be reciprocated by the UK to prevent species present in Europe from harming native wildlife.

A new threat on the horizon
The Red Imported Fire Ant is just one of several ant species that are transported in soils, and threaten the UK's biodiversity. It is highly invasive due to its high reproductive capacity, large colony size, ability to exploit human disturbances, wide food range and ability to sting. Its stinging ability allows it to subdue prey and even repel larger vertebrate competitors from resources.