INNS in gardens, ponds and recreational water activities
INNS and biosecurity in your garden or pond
It is illegal to release, plant or allow to spread any non-native species into the wild. Don’t dump any non-native plants outside of your garden
You should make sure any garden plants don’t spread out of your garden. Be Plant Wise gives practical advice on how to prevent the spread of garden plants into the wild.
The Gardening without harmful invasive plants guide can help you choose suitable plants.
When clearing out your pond, don’t allow any plants or animals to enter nearby water. See the Be Plant Wise tips for pond or aquarium plants.
INNS and recreational water activities
It is illegal to release, plant or allow to spread any non-native species into the wild. Take measures to avoid moving water and debris away when you leave a site.
If you take part in contact water activities such as yachting, canoeing or angling on rivers, lochs or the coast, follow the advice on the Check Clean Dry pages. The key principles are straightforward - whenever you leave the water, remember to:
- Check your equipment, boat, and clothing after leaving the water for mud, aquatic animals, or plant material. Remove anything you find and leave it at the site
- Clean everything thoroughly as soon as you can, paying attention to areas that are damp or hard to access. Use hot water if possible
- Dry everything for as long as you can before using elsewhere as some invasive plants and animals can survive for over two weeks in damp conditions
For water-based events, there is general guidance, plus a Scottish Events Biosecurity Guide and Risk Assessment Guide, both of which were developed by SEPA, Paddle Scotland and Royal Yachting Association.
What to do if you find an INNS
It is illegal to release, plant or allow to spread any non-native species into the wild. Don’t collect it or move it - leave it where it is!
Non-native species can easily be spread and are not always easy to see therefore good biosecurity practice is essential.
If you find INNS where you are working, check your legal obligations (see our INNS in regulated activities section) and please report your sighting.
Your data helps improve our understanding of how INNS are behaving in Scotland and can help inform management plans or other action to contain or control them.