News & Media

Invasive Non-Native Species Week 22-28 June 2026

Last week marked Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) Week, led by the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS). It’s a great opportunity to highlight the work being carried out across the UK to protect and restore our landscapes, and to showcase the role Maydencroft plays in helping to manage invasive species.

Invasive non-native species (INNS) can have a significant impact on native plants, animals and habitats. They threaten biodiversity, disrupt ecosystems and can cause serious environmental and economic damage. There are currently more than 1,300 non-native plant species recorded in the UK, although only around 8% are considered invasive.

Managing the spread of INNS requires ongoing monitoring, surveying and control. At Maydencroft, our Nature Recovery and Grounds and Estates teams play a vital role in this work. To celebrate Invasive Species Week, we caught up with Nature Recovery Assistant Annie McConnellogue to find out what a typical day looks like when surveying for invasive species.

A Day in the Life of an INNS Surveyor

No two days are ever the same for our Nature Recovery team, but here’s an insight into a typical day for Annie McConnellogue.

Annie joined Maydencroft three months ago and is based at our Letchworth Garden City office. However, the nature of her role means she spends much of her time out in the field, travelling across the South East with colleagues to carry out surveys. One of her key responsibilities is surveying sites for a utilities company to identify and monitor invasive non-native species.

6:00am – Starting the Day Right

Annie starts her day with a cup of tea and some time with her two dogs before getting ready for work. “Having half an hour in the morning with a cup of tea is my favourite way to clear my head before starting a busy day at work.”

7:00am–8:00am – On the Road

Between May and August, the Nature Recovery team is particularly busy carrying out INNS surveys. Annie packs her tablet, PPE and plenty of spare clothing before heading out to site. Depending on the day, she may be surveying one large site or several smaller locations. She is often joined by Victoria Jackson, Nature Recovery Consultant.

“Having multiple outfits in my car is not uncommon when surveying! One minute you need your suncream and hat, and the next you’re putting on your raincoat.”

Out on Site

Once on site, Annie and Victoria begin by reviewing maps and completing a risk assessment, a vital first step before any survey work begins.

Many of the sites Maydencroft monitors have been surveyed for several years, with known invasive species locations recorded annually. This historical data helps guide Annie and Victoria to areas that require close monitoring. However, invasive species can establish themselves in new locations at any time, so vigilance is always required.

On this particular survey, Annie and Victoria were focusing on riverbanks and searching for Himalayan balsam, one of the UK’s most widespread invasive plant species. So, on went the buoyancy aids!

Although attractive, with its pink flowers and lush green foliage, Himalayan balsam spreads rapidly. Its seed pods can eject seeds up to seven metres away, allowing the plant to colonise large areas very quickly. Dense stands can also create a thick canopy that shades out native vegetation, reducing biodiversity and altering habitats.

The species thrives along riverbanks, where it can contribute to erosion and increase flood risk. When the plants die back in winter, they leave riverbanks exposed and vulnerable to erosion.

While surveying, Annie and Victoria identified several dense patches of Himalayan balsam along the riverbank. As the plants had not yet flowered, identification was slightly more challenging. By carefully referring to previous survey records and thoroughly inspecting the surrounding vegetation, they were able to confirm their presence.

Throughout the day, Annie recorded grid references, takes photographs and logs the extent of each infestation. This information helps build an accurate picture of where invasive species are present and allows Maydencroft’s Grounds and Estate team to target management efforts effectively. Once Annie and Victoria make there way back to the car a very important part of the survey is implementing good biosecurity habits! Simple steps such as using a boot wash and checking clothing for any vegetation which might have stuck on while walking around the site really helps limit the risk of spreading seeds from invasive non-native species!

“While the main aim of the survey is to identify invasive species, I always enjoy coming across plenty of native wildlife throughout my day. It really puts into perspective why we carry out this work. Every survey contributes to the wider effort of controlling invasive species and creating space for our native habitats.”

Back at the Desk

Once the fieldwork is complete, Annie returns to the office to process the survey results.

After catching up with colleagues and saying hello to the office dogs, she begins reviewing the data collected throughout the day. Maps are updated and reports are produced for each site.

These reports need to be clear and detailed so that the control team knows exactly where invasive species have been identified and what action is required. They also include information about site hazards and any protected species present, helping to ensure that future management works are carried out safely and responsibly.

Once the reports are complete, Annie begins preparing for the next day’s surveys. During the busy survey season, balancing time in the field with time in the office is essential to ensure the team remains organised.

Supporting Nature Recovery

Surveying and monitoring invasive non-native species are a vital part of protecting the UK’s landscapes. By identifying new infestations, tracking existing populations and informing targeted control measures, Maydencroft’s Nature Recovery team aim to help reduce the impact of invasive species and supports the recovery of native habitats.

#INNSWeek #NatureRecovery #Biodiversity #Conservation #Ecology #EnvironmentalManagement #Maydencroft

You can get in touch with the team with any invasive species enquiries using inns@maydencroft.co.uk.