Mission Statement
Who are we?
The Non-native Species Network has been developed to support initiatives in the identification, ecology and management of non-native species. It is run by staff from RPS specialising in non-native species management, training and research in the UK.
RPS is a large environmental consultancy with offices across the UK, Europe, America and Australia and provides a wide range of environmental services.
Training
RPS is helping to develop a network of non-native species training across the UK.
Our objective is to develop a national programme that provides structured non-native species training for those dealing with these plants and animals, and advanced training for those who wish to develop specialist skills.
Training modules will be contributed by a range of professionals and key specialists in their field. RPS’s role is to coordinate the programme, provide key training where relevant, and encourage, facilitate and provide supporting information for training courses.
This website will be used to disseminate details of up-and-coming training events as well as resources from those that have been run previously. Currently the website comprises details of the upcoming work shop 'Keeping Up With Non-native Species 2010' as well as resources from the RPS and Defra sponsored ‘Keeping Up With Non-native Species 2008’ .
Examples of RPS non-native species projects
- The provision of management manuals (e.g. Giant Hogweed Management in the UK, The Japanese Knotweed Manual, Invasive Species Management For Infrastructure Managers And The Construction Industry).
- Research into non-native species (e.g. Review of Non-native Species Legislation and Guidance.
- Peer Review of the GB Non-Native Species Risk Assessment Scheme.
- Audit of Responsibilities for Non-Native Species Within Government Departments
- Control / management strategies within the UK (e.g. Avon catchment non-native species strategy, Japanese Knotweed eradication at Wembley Stadium, Rhododendron management plans for SSSIs in Hampshire and Staffordshire)
Olaf Booy 2008 All rights reserved