Overview

• Freedom of information data reveals only £2.47 million of the £250 million UK biosecurity budget is spent on tackling invasive species, with just £250,000 reaching local conservation groups.
• Invasive species, such as mink, grey squirrels, and signal crayfish, are driving declines in native wildlife, including water voles, red squirrels, and white-clawed crayfish.
• The UK government has pledged £200 million for a National Biosecurity Centre and £10 million for advanced surveillance, but conservationists argue prevention and local funding remain under-resourced.
• Over £2.2 million has been spent on combating yellow-legged hornets, delaying their establishment in the UK, but broader invasive species efforts receive significantly less support.
• Experts emphasize the need for enhanced border checks and sustained local funding to prevent the introduction of new invasive species and mitigate long-term ecological and economic damage.