INNS Monitoring and Management  

Monitoring 
Monitoring the distribution of invasive species is crucial for preventing their spread. As such, there are many INNS monitoring projects ongoing across Scotland, from large scale research  to local citizen science. Some examples are discussed below:

Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (2025): As shown in figure 1, the North to North East of Scotland remain a strongholds for Red Squirrels, despite the prevalence of invasive Grey Squirrels as far north as Angus. To track the effectiveness of Grey Squirrel eradication efforts, the ‘Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels’ website allows the public to report sitings of both species. Over 2024 there were under 10 greys recorded in Aberdeen, compared to hundreds if not thousands of reds. 

iRecord (n.d.): iRecord is another online service for recording species observations, offering multiple portals with one specifically for non-native species. NatureScot recommends the use of this resource, especially for reporting species of highest concern in Scotland including Muntjac Deer, Raccoons and Slipper Limpets (Scotland’s Environment, 2019).

Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI, n.d.a): The SISI focuses its efforts on 5 of Scotland’s major INNS: Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, American Skunk Cabbage, and American Mink. They offer an online portal through which the public can submit sightings, while also undertaking formal surveying to keep track of the distribution of these species. 

Prevention 
In adition to monitoring, preventative action is also needed to reduce the risk of INNS spreading. To this end, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to cause or allow a non-native species to spread in Scotland (SEPA, 2024). Most often responsibility falls to the major landowners and organisations managing Scotland’s landscapes, but each citizen holds responsibility should they keep / find a non-native species on their property. 
Under this law, land owners and managers must take all reasonable steps to avoid the spread of the INNS (Scottish Government, 2012), as failing this responsibility could result in £10,000 + worth of fines, or even jail time (NNSS, 2021). Despite being written in law, the general public is often not aware of these responsibilities, meaning awareness campaigns are essential for informing the public of their duties in this regard. Examples of ongoing campaigns include:

‘Check Clean Dry’ by the NNSS: Aimed at those using British waters, this campaign aims to prevent INNS hitchhiking on aquatic equipment between areas or countries. The campaign promotes checking and thoroughly cleaning all equipment after every use, including boats, fishing gear, wetsuits, etc (NNSS, n.d.)

Invasive Species Week by the NNSS: Every year, the NNSS hosts an UK wide awareness event all about invasive species. Many organisations and volunteers get involved with educational and INNS removal events – in 2024, 200 organisations got involved, and 75 events were held (NNSS, 2024). 

SISI Learning and Training: The SISI offers many opportunities for developing skills and knowledge in relation to INNS management. They offer educational sessions and courses for both children and adults, getting people engaged with the issues, and offering a practical way to make a difference (SISI, n.d.b).

Management
Finally, where invasive species are already present, there are many initiatives underway to control, reduce and eradicate them from Scotland. Examples of such schemes include:

Mink Control Project by the SISI: American Mink are a widespread INNS in Scotland and are highly damaging due to their efficiency as hunters. To protect native wildlife, the SISI’s mink control project has been underway since 2018, trapping and dispatching many minks each year - Between 2018 and 2020, they trapped over 350 minks (SISI, 2020). The SISI also do much work managing invasive plant species populations, including conducting long-term chemical treatment on some of the hardiest species. 

Widespread Invasive Plant Removal Volunteer Events: For some invasive plant species in Scotland, pulling them from the roots or even simply cutting back are effective methods of control. As such, events where volunteers help to remove such species are often hosted by local environmental groups across the country. In the East Grampian area, the Countryside Ranger service offers such events, including “Himalayan Balsam Bashing” and “Gorse Busting” (Aberdeen City Council Countryside Ranger Service, 2025). 

Project Wipeout by the National Trust for Scotland (2021): Among many National Trust properties the invasive species Rhododendron ponticum is widespread. While once used as habitat for grouse, the end of grouse shooting on Trust properties means rhododendrons now only serve to outcompete native plants. As such, the National Trust set about to entirely remove the species from their grounds, with efforts taking place in Aberdeenshire in 2021. 

To learn more about various INNS present in Scotland, and the pathways by which they arrive, please see our section on INNS.