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About Invasive Species

What are invasive species?

Invasive non-native species (INNS) live in parts of the world they would not naturally be found and include:

  • plants

  • animals

  • fungi

  • micro-organisms

They can spread causing damage to the environment, the economy, our health or the way we live. The cost to the UK economy has been estimated nearly £1.9 billion a year.

Common Invasive Species found in RCT are as follows:

  • Japanese Knotweed

  • Himalayan Balsam

  • Rhododendron Ponticum

  • Laurel

RCT CBC is only responsible for treating Invasive Species on land in its ownership, the council does not treat private/unregistered land or unadopted lanes. 

We are aware that Japanese Knotweed is present in many areas across Rhondda Cynon Taf, however, we are currently prioritising sites that are close to properties. 

For more information about Invasive Species see the Non-Native Species Secretariat website

Non-native species » NNSS