About the Initiative

The Scottish Invasive Species Initiative is an ambitious partnership project set up to tackle invasive non-native species alongside rivers and watercourses in northern Scotland.

Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) are a significant threat to our environments, our native wildlife, our economy, and in some cases to our health. By working at a local level with volunteers and local partners, and by trialling innovative management techniques, we aim to put in place sustainable long-term solutions to invasive species management.

The project is led by NatureScot and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and NatureScot (2017-2023) and the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot (2023-2026), with in-kind support from project partners and volunteers.

Get involved

Everyone can help halt the spread of invasive non-native species – by getting involved in control work, following good biosecurity practice to limit their spread, or simply by being aware of invasive species and reporting sightings.

The Initiative delivers a large scale control programme thanks to the support and contributions of hundreds of volunteers including land managers, community groups and local partners. Find out more about how you can get involved.