Invasive species
An invasive non-native species is the term used to describe a species that is now present in a location that it historically wasn’t and is causing problems for the native wildlife or environment. Non-native species are introduced to the UK in a variety of ways, for example plant species have often been brought for gardens and then escaped into the wild, there are currently thought to be 193 invasive non-native species in the UK.
Interesting Facts
Over the last 500 years, 135 bird species have gone extinct, invasive non-native species have been found to have contributed to 68 of them.
Activity: River speed
A field work session in which the children collect data that allows them to work out river speed, and then expand that into distances, to show how easily invasive species can spread.
Activity: Species survey
A field work activity to survey the most common invasive species in an area. It can either take place as a whole class or be given out for pupils to do in their own time.
Activity: Match it
A group activity in which pupils work together to match the non-native species with its effects and place of origin.
Activity: Which one am I?
Using key identifying features work out which species is being described.
