Invasive non-native plants and animals which cause environmental and economic damage can now be tackled under new “species control orders” introduced by the Infrastructure Act 2015.
The Act gives effect to reforms recommended by the Law Commission. Environmental authorities in England and Wales will have powers to issue species control orders, compelling landowners or occupiers to carry out control or eradication operations, or allow them to be carried out by the authority.
The provisions of the order must be “proportionate” to the objective sought. Breach of an order will be a criminal offence, with the right of appeal to a tribunal.
Nicholas Paines QC, Law Commissioner for public law, says: “Invasive non-native species are a threat to biodiversity. There is also an economic price to pay, with some invasive plants and animals capable of causing significant damage to property and costing a great deal to control and remove.”
