Plant Safe: how to avoid spreading pests and pathogens

Plants and trees help protect biodiversity, support our economy and provide spaces for us to enjoy. In the UK, plants provide £15.7 billion in value to society each year.

But these environments face threats from invasive non-native species and plant diseases: plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms brought to Wales by everyday human actions.

By taking simple actions, we can all help protect our ecosystems for future generations. 

Invasive non-native species and plant diseases can:

• damage our native woodlands and wildlife
• cost the Welsh economy millions each year
• threaten food production
• reduce enjoyment of outdoor spaces
• affect water quality and flood management.

Do not bring plant matter from abroad

When travelling, it can be tempting to bring back plants, seeds, cuttings or fruit. However, these items can carry pests and diseases that might harm Welsh plants and trees.

Plant health threats are increasing due to:

• climate change making our environment suitable for new pests
• increased global trade and travel
• plants being transported outside their natural ranges.

What you can do

• do not bring plants, seeds, cuttings or fruit from trips abroad
• buy plants from reputable UK sources instead
• remember that seeds and bulbs can also carry harmful pests.

These simple actions prevent new invasive species and diseases from entering Wales. It’s one of the most effective ways to protect our environment. 

Buy plants responsibly online

While the internet makes buying interesting plants easy, without proper checks it also creates pathways for harmful species to enter Wales.

All plants sold by businesses to UK consumers should have a plant passport.

What you can do

• check that sellers provide plant passport information
• be wary of unusually cheap plants from unknown sources
• look for UK-based sellers with clear information about plant origins
• if buying from abroad, ensure proper phytosanitary certificates are in place.

The UK plant passporting scheme requires anyone selling plants online to attach plant passports. These help 'track and trace' plants: crucial for managing outbreaks and protecting Welsh agriculture and landscapes.

Clean outdoor equipment between activities

When enjoying the Welsh countryside, equipment such as hiking boots, mountain bikes or canoes moved between different locations can spread harmful organisms.

Following three simple steps can make a big difference:

• check your equipment, footwear and clothing for visible plant material, mud or debris
• clean everything thoroughly before using it at a new location
• dry all equipment - many organisms cannot survive complete drying.

Mud, plant fragments and water can contain:

• invasive plant fragments that can regrow in new locations
• fungal spores that attack native plants and trees
• harmful organisms that affect water quality
• pathogens that can damage agricultural crops and forests.

Be especially careful when moving between:

• different rivers, lakes or water bodies
• different forest or woodland areas
• upland and lowland areas
• known infected areas.

If you spot something unusual:

• For tree pests and diseases, use TreeAlert
• For invasive species concerns, contact the Invasive Non-native Species Mapper.

Learn more about protecting the environment in Wales: 

• Natural Resources Wales - Invasive Species
• Wales Resilient Ecological Network (WaREN)
• GB Non-Native Species Secretariat
• The Great Britain Invasive Non-Native Species Strategy 2023-2030
• Plant Biosecurity Strategy for Great Britain
• Plant Health Portal