This accessible guide gives you the tools to be confident in identifying and managing frequently encountered non-native invasive plants in Britain and Ireland.
Invasive alien species (IAS) are one of the biggest drivers of global biodiversity loss along with climate change and habitat fragmentation. If allowed to colonise unchecked, they can have irreversible negative impacts on the integrity of the natural environment and associated ecosystem services. In spite of widescale efforts, there has been an almost exponential increase in new introductions to Britain and Ireland in the last 20 years. The only way we can tackle them is to engage both professionals and the public in mapping their distribution, and to encourage everyone to take the right actions to contain them. This book will help you:
- Identify frequently encountered non-native invasive plants and know their potential impacts.
- Differentiate lookalikes, including how to separate native species from closely related non-native invasive species.
- Understand the extent of invasive potential, including trees, grasses, freshwater aquatics and seaweeds.
- Quickly check the legislation so you know which species should be reported and to whom.
- Prevent mistakes – often, with best intentions, people take action which makes the situation worse.
- Avoid introducing invasive species into your gardens and local environment.
Packed with illustrations, maps and tips, this book is a practical tool and reference for professional ecologists, environmentalists, gardeners and everyone interested in the protection and sustainable management of our countryside and green spaces.
Tabella dei contenuti
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
At-a-glance guide to flower colour and leaf shape
Species accounts
Trees
Shrubs
Climbers
Large plants
Herbs
Clubmoss
Grasses
Rush
Lily-like
Marginal
Aquatics
Coastal
Seaweeds
Legislation
Dispersal methods
Glossary
Resources
References
Index
Circa l’autore
Phoebe O’Brien is a botanist and vice county recorder for the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. She specialises in grasslands and invasive species, having contributed extensively to conservation efforts and national surveys.