What are Local Action Groups?
A Local Action Group (LAG) is a group or project focused on reducing the risks and impacts associated with invasive non-native species in a specific area.
LAGs come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Some projects cover a county or region, while others focus on a single river catchment. For example:
- Community Action (volunteer) Groups
- Wildlife Trusts who have a LAG project in their county
- Rivers Trusts and Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) partnerships who have a LAG project in their catchment
- authorities of protected areas who have a LAG project in the protected area they manage (e.g. National Parks and National Landscapes)
- collaborative projects with a group of stakeholders working on a joint outcome
Where do Local Action Groups work?
LAGs cover a large proportion of Great Britain. View a map and list of Local Action Groups.
What do Local Action Groups Do?
The work of Local Action Groups varies depending on the area they operate in. Common activities include:
- managing invasive non-native plants and animals
- coordinating the efforts of local stakeholders carrying out invasive species management, to deliver a joined-up approach across a wider area
- awareness raising, education, and training
- improving biosecurity in their area
Why are Local Action Groups important?
LAGs play a key role in reducing the impacts of invasive non-native species:
- They are invaluable in delivering sustainable, long-term management of invasive non-native species at a local and regional levels, often working with volunteers.
- LAGs in Great Britain work across all major habitats – terrestrial, freshwater, and marine.
- Two thirds of LAGs work in protected sites, helping to look after important habitats and rare plants and wildlife.
- LAGs carry out a huge amount of work to increase awareness and understanding of the risks and impacts associated with invasive non-native species amongst their communities.
- LAGs help to bridge the gap between high-level policy and local stakeholders.
- LAGs provide volunteering opportunities for the public to help them learn new skills, be active outdoors and connect with nature.
View an infographic celebrating the work of Local Action Groups.
Why join a Local Action Group?
The benefits of joining a Local Action Group include:
- supporting native biodiversity and local habitats
- improving health and wellbeing through exercise and connecting with nature
- meeting new people in the community and being part of a team
Read about the experiences of LAG volunteers or watch this video from Paddle UK:
How do I join a Local Action Group?
View a list of Local Action Groups and map of their coverage to find out what's available in your area and how to get involved.
Support for Local Action Groups
Local Action Group Coordinator
Defra has funded a Local Action Group Coordinator, based in the Animal & Plant Health Agency, to support new and existing LAGs. Please contact the Local Action Group Coordinator for more information.
GB Non-native Species Secretariat
The GB Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS) helps to support the work of LAGs, for example by:
- holding an annual workshop for Local Action Group staff and volunteers to exchange best practice and learn about GB-level progress and priorities
- providing free hard copies of materials to help with awareness raising
- sharing relevant updates and information through the NNSS mailing list
- providing a Toolkit to help establish new LAGs and ensure the long-term viability of existing LAGs