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Construction & Property

Invasive species obligations in Scotland

Your legal obligations regarding invasive non-native species in Scotland. Covers criminal offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, Schedule 9 species, Japanese knotweed management, and NatureScot's species control orders.

Scotland
Guide summary

You must stop invasive non-native plants and animals from spreading in Scotland. It is illegal to plant or release certain species like Japanese knotweed. You could be fined up to £5,000 or go to prison for up to 6 months if you break the law.

  • Do not plant or release invasive species listed on Schedule 9
  • Control Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants on your land
  • Prevent invasive species from spreading to the wild
  • Maximum fine £5,000 and 6 months in prison
  • Check Schedule 9 for full list of banned species
  • Report invasive species sightings to NatureScot
  • Dispose of invasive plants as controlled waste
  • Use licensed contractors to remove Japanese knotweed
  • NatureScot can issue species control orders
  • You must follow any species control agreements
On this page
Scotland

If you own, occupy, or manage land in Scotland, you have legal obligations regarding invasive non-native species (INNS). Releasing or allowing to escape certain species, or causing Schedule 9 plants to grow in the wild, is a criminal offence. For construction and property businesses, these obligations are particularly relevant when dealing with Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants on development sites.

Scotland's invasive species regime is strengthened by the Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011, which gives NatureScot powers to make species control orders and agreements that do not exist in the same form in England and Wales.

Criminal offences

Understanding what constitutes an offence is the starting point for compliance.

Which species are covered

Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 lists the species to which the criminal offences apply. Scottish Ministers can add further species through species orders under the WANE Act 2011.

Japanese knotweed: your specific obligations

Japanese knotweed is the most commonly encountered invasive species on development and property sites in Scotland. It has specific waste management implications beyond the wildlife offence.

NatureScot species control orders and agreements

NatureScot has powers to require you to manage invasive species on your land. Understanding these powers helps you respond appropriately if NatureScot contacts you.

What to do next

  1. Survey your site: Before starting development works, commission a preliminary ecological appraisal that includes an invasive species survey
  2. Identify any Schedule 9 species: If invasive species are found, establish their extent and proximity to the development footprint
  3. Prepare a management plan: For Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants, engage a specialist contractor to prepare a treatment and disposal plan
  4. Comply with waste requirements: Ensure contaminated soil is handled by a registered waste carrier and disposed of at a SEPA-licensed facility
  5. Implement biosecurity measures: Prevent spreading invasive species via soil movement, machinery, and footwear during construction
  6. Keep records: Document all management actions as evidence of due diligence

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