Abstract/Summary

The global nature crisis means that action to tackle the issue of invasive species is essential; not least because their number and impacts are expected to increase due to climate change. As well as being one of the direct drivers of the nature crisis, invasive species are estimated to have a global cost of £330Bn (IPBES, 2019) while also impacting on human health and way of life. Identifying potentially invasive species - or ‘future invaders’ - early is preferable. This project explores some of the parameters for identifying future invaders growing in gardens in Britain and Ireland, by engaging with gardeners, and suggesting solutions for reducing the risks associated with invasive ornamental plants. The estimated 30 million gardens in the UK, with a rich diversity of ornamentals, represent a pool of future invaders. Gardeners in Britain and Ireland are therefore crucial actors. To engage with these gardeners, an exhibit at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show - an annual focal point for amateur and professional gardeners alike - was developed to raise awareness of the issue and collect data by means of a survey. Thematic analysis interpreted the meaning of ‘invasive’ from a gardener’s perspective. Increased public engagement was demonstrated to improve gardeners’ understanding of the term and the potential risks associated with invasive ornamentals. This project also showed that engaging with gardeners in their roles as ‘first contact’ for reporting future invaders, can be an effective means for prioritising ornamentals. From the many different plants grown, 558 gardeners reported 251 taxa of concern of which nine are prioritised using a structured approach for further research. There is considerable interest amongst gardeners in their critical role in managing invasive species and identifying future invaders. This interest needs to be encouraged and offers invasion science an important opportunity.