Devon Invasive Species Initiative (DISI)

A small steering group of interested partners has developed the new Devon Invasive Species Initiative (DISI) under the umbrella of the Devon LNP. The first meeting was held in November 2016.

The Devon Invasive Species Initiative is a GB Non-Native Species Secretariat Local Action Group (LAG), which ensures it is kept aware of national priorities and projects and given us access to expertise across the country and beyond.

DISI has five main areas of focus:

- Raising awareness of invasive species.
- Improving the sharing of records/mapping of invasive species across Devon.
- Sharing good practice guidelines.
- Sharing/promoting good biosecurity measures.
- Researching funding opportunities around invasive species.

Dates, agendas and minutes for/from our previous meetings can be found here – DISI steering group meetings

Non Native Species Identification and Management

Identification of invasive non-native species is an essential part of invasive species management. DISI is in the process of developing fact-sheets to help provide identification and management assistance for invasive species found in Devon. View the fact-sheets.

Priority Invasives List

DISI partners have developed a list of invasive species which are deemed priorities for Devon. This list can located by following this. If you have any comments on the draft list please email tom.whitlock@devon.gov.uk

Partner projects

DISI has a range of organisational partners which have established projects in tackling invasive species in the county. Find out more about the projects.

Sources of information

Where do camels belong? Ken Thompson (essential reading)
Search the GB Non-native Species Information Portal to find distribution data and other useful information for all non-native species within GB.
For advice on chemical treatment of invasives by watercourses and the safe disposal of Knotweed material, please visit the Environment Agency webpages
For information on Biosecurity measures which will help reduce the risk of introducing/spreading invasive non-native species.
The Devon Japanese Knotweed Forum’s information pages have been moved to the LNP website and can be found at: Japanese Knotweed Homepage.
Cornwall Knotweed Forum
The Chinese Mitten Crab Project
South West Red Squirrel Partnership
CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International)
Tamar Valley AONB guidance document on Giant Hogweed control
Sweet chestnut blight
Download this FREE information poster on Asian Hornet identification which can be widely circulated to the public.

Please note, there will not be a separate Invasives Forum established. All communication will occur via the Devon LNP. Please contact Tom Whitlock if you would like to be added to the LNP Forum.

If you would like to find out more about the evolving initiative or join the Steering Group please contact Kate Hills or Jeremy Peirce.