Forestry commission welcomes consultation on invasive species

The Forestry Commission has welcomed today's launch by Defra of a government consultation on a framework strategy for managing invasive non-native species.

Roddie Burgess, head of the Commission's plant health team, which is charged with protecting Britain's woods and forests from pests and diseases, said,

"The increasing globalisation of world trade means that as a nation we must be ever more vigilant against the introduction of invasive plants, animals and other organisms which, if they became established here, would threaten the health and perhaps even the survival of British woodland eco-systems, including their social and economic benefits.

"So we're very pleased that Defra is taking the lead in drawing up a comprehensive, integrated strategy that will address all aspects of this issue, including those involving forestry. We have been working with Defra on the planning for today's launch, and will play a full part in the consultation, and beyond.

"There are a number of invasive non-native species that are already established in British woods and forests, and which require a considerable amount of effort and expense by the forestry community to manage and control. Any effort to minimise further introductions of such species, and to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in managing those already here, is to be welcomed."

Further information about work by the Forestry Commission and its scientific research agency, Forest Research, to research, control and manage pests and diseases is available at www.forestry.gov.uk and www.forestresearch.gov.uk/fr/infd-5stc8a.

A copy of the consultation document is available from www.nonnativespecies.org/07Latest_Developments_(Public_Consultations).cf

m , and Defra's press release announcing the consultation is available at http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2007/070228b.htm .