Local Action Groups play a key role in reducing the impact of invasive non-native species. APHA's Local Action Group Coordinator has produced a summary infographic celebrating their work. 

Key statistics on Local Action Groups:

• 78 Local Action Groups (LAGs) work in Britain, covering 64% of the land area.
• LAGs work across all major habitats - terrestrial, freshwater and marine.
• Their work includes:
  • managing invasive non-native species
  • awareness raising, education, and training
  • providing biosecurity support
  • coordinating local action
  • providing volunteering opportunities for the community
• Over 2,300 volunteers helped manage invasive non-native species in 2023.
• 45 species are managed by LAGs. The top five are:
  • Himalayan balsam
  • Giant hogweed
  • Japanese knotweed
  • Floating pennywort
  • Signal crayfish
• 2 in 3 LAGs work in protected sites, helping to look after important habitats and rare plants and wildlife. 

Find out more about Local Action Groups.