Less than 1% of UK biosecurity budget goes on tackling invasive species, figures show

Conservationists call for more funding and warn of danger to ‘cherished’ native species, from water voles to ladybirds Joe Coughlan Mon 12 May 2025 00.01 BST

Less than 1% of the government’s biosecurity budget goes on tackling invasive species, despite the danger they pose to British wildlife, figures suggest.

Conservationists warned the funding to address non-native plants and animals was failing to match the risk they posed to “cherished” native species, from water voles to ladybirds, as well as to waterways, homes, businesses and local green spaces.

They have called for more resources for border checks to stop non-native species arriving here, and funding for local groups to tackle the problem on the ground.