From gray squirrels to Asian hornets, several invasive species are already causing problems in Britain.
But things could get worse, thanks to increased flooding.
This is according to researchers from The Rivers Trust, Plantlife and Buglife, who have warned of an influx of invasive plants and animals due to more extreme weather conditions in Britain.
The wildlife groups have released a list of eight species that can cause major damage, including Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and red imported fire ants.
Richard Benwell, chief executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, said: ‘As climate change brings increasingly variable weather, the risk of invasive species spreading will increase.’
Wildlife groups have released a list of eight species that can cause major damage, including Japanese knotweed (pictured), giant hogweed and red imported fire ants.
The red imported fire ant was first discovered in Europe last year and has since been spotted spreading in floodwaters by joining together to create a raft
The past eighteen months have been the wettest in England since records began in 1836.
This wet weather is not only making us miserable, but experts say it could also lead to an increase in invasive species that thrive in wet conditions.
“Invasive species are already one of the biggest threats to the UK environment, from choking waterways to outcompeting native species,” Benwell said.
‘They also cause billions of euros in damage to homes and businesses every year, and even pose risks to human health.’
The team highlights six invasive species already found in Britain that spread and thrive in extremely wet conditions.
The team highlights six invasive species already established in Britain that spread and thrive in extremely wet conditions, including giant hogweed
Zebra mussels spread mainly by clinging to watercraft, but experts have warned that flooding could help the mussel spread into new waterways
Two populations of Chinese mystery snails have been identified in Sussex and Hampshire. In the US, they have been found to transmit parasites and diseases and to displace native species for food and habitat
This includes Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, giant hogweed, Rhododendron ponticum, zebra mussels and Chinese mystery snail.
Even more worrying, researchers identify two invasive species that are not yet found in Britain but could be ‘on the horizon’ amid the increase in flooding.
The red imported fire ant was first discovered in Europe last year and has since been spotted spreading in floodwaters by aggregating into a raft.
It carries a venomous sting and can wreak havoc on ground-nesting birds, buildings and public health, according to the team.
Meanwhile, the Golden Apple Snail is in the top 100 invasive species worldwide, mainly due to its impact on crops.
And flooding could facilitate its spread along Britain’s waterways.
David Smith, Social Change and Advocacy Officer at Buglife, said: ‘We are already seeing major impacts on native insects and invertebrates as a result of invasive species, including earthworms predated by non-native flatworms to American signal crayfish damaging riverbanks and undermine flood defenses. .
Himalayan Balsam grows and spreads rapidly, invading wet habitat at the expense of other, native flowers. The plant also increases flood risk because, when it dies in winter, it leaves behind large areas of eroded, exposed riverbanks
The Golden Apple Snail is in the top 100 invasive species worldwide, mainly due to its impact on crops. And flooding could facilitate its spread along Britain’s waterways
‘As highly invasive species known to spread through floods, such as red imported fire ants, Chinese mitten crab and Chinese mystery snail, are making their way across Europe, we must act now to stop further damage to our native wildlife.’
Based on the findings, the researchers are calling on authorities to take urgent action to protect Britain from an influx of invasive species.
Erin Shott, communications and policy officer at Plantlife, said: Increasing flood risks and declining local resources to control invasive species could create a perfect storm for the spread of harmful species.
‘It is vital that Britain gets ahead of the rising tide of invasive species as part of the climate crisis by providing the national leadership and local resources needed to tackle this problem.’