In December 2025, the Government announced a strengthened Environmental Improvement Plan
Included is a new target to reduce the rate of invasive non-native species (INNS) compared to 25 years ago. It states; “This will help prevent new invasive species from becoming established and manage existing invaders like Japanese Knotweed.” Significant funding has been granted to move towards creating wildlife-rich environments, reducing flood risk and improving water quality.
KEY TAKEOUTS
- The plan is structured around 10 overarching goals, covering areas from clean air and water to resource use, climate change, and biosecurity.
- Its goal is to meet national commitments under global environmental frameworks and to link environmental health with public health and economic prosperity.
- The EIP details specific actions, responsibilities (government, landowners, businesses, individuals), and timelines to achieve these goals.
- The plan will instigate a reduction in the rate of new invasive species establishing
THE FUTURE
As we move towards 2026 we may see more invasive species needing to be tackled across the UK as they can often withstand harsher climates than our native species. And with widespread flooding and more recurrent storms we’re seeing greater spread of invasives such as Himalayan balsam and Giant hogweed.
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