Reporting Non-Native Invasive Species
Guidelines for Entering NNIS Reports
Reporting non-native invasive species (NNIS) is a powerful tool for identifying potential problems and seeking action as soon as possible. It is therefore important to follow a few simple guidelines when reporting incidents.
An example of floating pennywort closing a waterway
Report the NNIS location as soon as possible with a brief but accurate description (no more than 1000 characters).
Do not make any derogatory comments or use inappropriate language (see the Disclaimer at the bottom of this page). Before you report a new NNIS, be sure to check it has not been reported already. If it has, you can add an update to the existing report. All NNIS locations are shown as coloured icon markers on a map where the colour plus 2 or 3 text characters indicates the species. A NNIS location may consist of more than one report and can be updated at any time. For example, a photograph may be added after the main report has be submitted, or additional reports added at a later date when necassary.
Existing NNIS reports can be viewed by selecting the appropriate map marker to display the report page. Update reports can be added by using the form at the bottom of this page.
Selecting anywhere on the map other than an existing marker displays a cross-hair marker ready to enter a new NNIS location. This can be repositioned as required to obtain an accurate location.
Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) caterpillars can increase attacks by pests and diseases
The map's Zoom options (+ and - buttons at the top left of the map) can be used to increase or decrease the zoom level for higher accuracy.
The report form contains six fields to select and one to complete with a description:
- Invasive Species Type.
- Catchment: If appropriate select the catchment area.
- Water Types: If appropriate select the water type.
- Severity: Select one of five categories.
- Set Marker: marker points left or right.
- River Bank: If on a river, the bank the NNIS is on.
- Description: e.g. extent, problems caused or action taken etc.
If one or more photographs are to be included, these should be uploaded before the report is submitted. Photographs can be added by selecting the Add Photograph button. Ideally, photographs should be taken in Landscape mode.
Previous years reports can be viewed and downloaded by selecting the Archives menu option.
Non-Native Invasive Species Locations
Non-Native Invasive Species Datasheets
This page is best viewed in landscape mode on small devices. For further information about non-native invasive species and how to identify them, go to the © GB Non-Native Species Secretariat Website. Everyone involved with non-native species, including gardeners, keepers of exotic species, anglers, importers/exporters, horticulturalists and pet owners should be aware of the relevant legislation.
Asian Hornet
Chinese Mitten
Floating Pennywort
Giant Hogweed
Himalayan Balsam
Japanese Knotweed
Killer Shrimp- Quagga Mussel
Signal Crayfish
Zebra Mussel
Water Primrose
OPM Caterpillar
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open
Goverment
Licence
Defra Press Office,
Posted on: 1 June 2020.
Forestry Commission urges public to report sightings of tree pest caterpillars
There has been factual coverage over the weekend in ITV News Online, Heart Radio, Watford Observer, and BBC Radio Kent, of the Forestry Commission's reminder to the public to report sightings of the tree pest Oak Processionary moth caterpillars.
The public can report sightings through the Tree Alert online portal. Alternatively, people can email opm@forestrycommission.gov.uk or call 0300 067 4442.
The pest is established in London and surrounding areas but the majority of the country is designated a Protected Zone, which means it is free from the pest.
OPM caterpillars feed on oak leaves and can increase trees' vulnerability to attack by other pests and diseases. The caterpillars and their nests contain hairs which can cause itchy rashes, eye and throat irritations, and should not be touched under any circumstances at any time.
Andrew Hall, Forestry Commission Operations Manager, said:
At this time of year, many people are enjoying green spaces and it's really important for the public to be aware of the risk of tree pests like Oak Processionary Moth and to report any sightings via our TreeAlert website or by calling the Forestry Commission. This will help us with our programme of treatment and enables us to slow the spread of this pest.
The Forestry Commission, working in partnership with others, have an annual programme in place to tackle the pest, with an ongoing programme of surveillance, treatment and research.
For more information on how to identify OPM, including common mistaken species, visit www.forestresearch.gov.uk/opm.
Report a new invasive species location
If you leave this page all fields will be cleared. Please be sure to add any photographs before submitting your report.
or
right 
of the location.
River Bank: If on a river, the bank the NNIS is on.
Add Photograph
To add a photograph select the Choose button. To return to the Report page select Cancel.
Non-Native Invasive Species Report
Add Update Report
Add NNIS Control Report
If you have completed work to remove or control non-native invasive species, please complete a control report by selecting the Control Report button. To view all reports, select View Reports.
NNIS Control Reporting Guidelines
If you have incurred costs due to purchasing or hiring equipment or machinery such as personal protective equipment, waders, hand tools, power tools (chainsaws etc.) , crayfish traps/bait, boats, chemicals etc. and you know the cost, please enter it in the Additional Cost field below add a note in the Additional Information field for the administrator.
Do NOT include volunteer time costs as these will be automatically calculated by the reporting system. If you are controlling NNIS plants, please estimated the square meters controlled in the Estimated Area Controlled... dropdown below. If you are controlling NNIS creatures such as crayfish, use this dropdown to estimate the numbers controlled.
Reference:
Administrators Sign In
If you are an administrator of one of our registered control groups, please select your group from the dropdown below and enter your group password before continuing. When ready, select the Submit button.
Selected Location
The fields below show information about the report/location you have selected. If this location is not already a permanent location, you can make it permanent by selecting the Add button. This will ensure the location will always be shown on the map every year and enable administrators to compare NNIS reports for this location with previous years. If this location is a permanent location, it can be removed by selecting the Remove button.
Permanent Locations (All Groups)
To view report details about a permanent location, select the required location from the table below. This will become the Selected Location when you return to this page.