Less than 1% of UK biosecurity budget goes on tackling invasive species, figures show

Conservationists want more border checks for non-native species and more funding for local groups tackling the problem. Photograph: Dick Hawkes/SDNPA/PA

Less than 1% of the government’s biosecurity budget goes on tackling invasive species, despite the danger they pose to British wildlife, figures suggest.

Conservationists warned the funding to address non-native plants and animals was failing to match the risk they posed to “cherished” native species, from water voles to ladybirds, as well as to waterways, homes, businesses and local green spaces.