Here you can find training and educational resources on non-native species and biosecurity, including e-learning, sector specific information, and examples of good practice.
Sector specific resources
Guidance and resources for different groups:
- Gardeners and pond owners
- Anglers
- Paddlers
- Boaters
- Clubs and managers of waterbodies
- Event organisers
- Retailers of plants
- Environmental professionals
- Government field staff
- Local Action Groups
- Site workers
- Schools, universities, and young people
Online training
With funding from Defra, the NNSS has developed a series of free e-learning modules for use by anyone working in the field or with an interest in this area. Current modules include:
- An introduction to non-native species
- Identification and recording
- Identification of key freshwater plants
- Identification of key freshwater invertebrates
- Identification of key riparian plants
- Biosecurity
- Biosecurity for the Water Industry (developed by the Aquatic Biosecurity Partnership)
- Biosecurity for Universities, Colleges, Field and Research Centres (developed by the University of Leeds, iCASP and NNSS)
Find out more and take the e-learning on the NNSS e-learning site (external link).
A learning tool including interactive graphical elements, animations, and case studies from the IPBES Invasive Alien Species Assessment Report has been launched by IPBES. View the online learning tool.
Training courses and providers
Directory of experts
Search the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (IEEM) Professional Directory (external link)
Training courses
- The Conservation Volunteers (external link)
- Naturenet course listings (external link)
- Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM (external link)
- SNH - Sharing Good Practice Programme (external link)
- Countryside Job Service (external link)
- LANTRA (course finder) (external link)
- The Field Studies Council (external link)
- Ornamental Aquatic Trade Association (external link)
Contact us with suggestions for additions to this list.
Coordination
A Training Working Group was established in 2010 to carry out a review of non-native species training across Great Britain (GB) and provide recommendations for improvements. The group published its Training Working Group Report in 2012. Many of the recommendations have been achieved since the report was published, including developing online training in key subjects.
In 2023 a Training Coordination Group was established to deliver outstanding recommendations from the report and improve provision and uptake of non-native species training across GB.