We need you! Help us identify and prevent 'future invaders'
We're teaming up with gardeners to identify and prevent 'future invaders'. Focusing on six locations (see map), we'll be looking at which ornamental plants are spreading in gardens and those which can be found outside gardens (like those found in neighbouring protected areas).
What are invasive species?
Globally and here in Wales, ornamental garden plants spreading from gardens are one of the main sources of invasive species which affect our native wildlife. The majority of ornamental plants we find in in our gardens are non-native but are not causing problems. However, a small number we label as invasive species because they have escaped from gardens and impact the environment, economy, our health and the way we live. Invasive species have been recognised globally as one of the top five threats to nature and could become an increasing problem because of the climate crisis.
Examples of known invasive species include Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), three-cornered garlic (Allium triquetrum), Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora) and Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica). Species which are not currently invasive but have potential to be so include examples such as chocolate vine (Akebia quinata), Himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa), Japanese anemone (Anemone × hybrida).
Try the new mobile game!
Help us find which common ornamental plants have escaped gardens in North West Wales whilst earning money with the Crowdsorsa mobile game.
Meet the Garden Escapers team
Dr Tomos Jones - Project Manager
Tomos’ particular interest is in identifying ornamental plants that might escape gardens and become invasive in the wild. He is passionate about engaging the public in environmental issues and in science communication. This has included a gold winning educational exhibit in the Discovery Zone at the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show in 2019 with the University of Reading. A native of Anglesey, Tomos enjoys hunting for orchids in North Wales and beyond and is a keen gardener.
Email: Tomos.Jones@northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk
Mobile: 07726358228
Lisa Toth - Project Officer
Lisa is a horticulturalist and professionally trained Garden Designer and holds qualifications from the RHS, Capel Manor and the acclaimed London College of Garden Design in Kew.
She has a particular interest in planting design. Lisa works with her clients on what to plant, how to manage their gardens better and how to avoid invasive species. She now brings her extensive knowledge of ornamental plants to the Garden Escapers! project at North Wales Wildlife Trust.
Lisa enjoys cycling and hiking, wild swimming, yoga and exploring the Welsh countryside with her dog. She speaks German and Spanish and ‘mae hi’n dysgu Cymraeg ar hyn o bryd’ (she’s learning Welsh at the moment).
Email: Lisa.Toth@northwaleswildlifetrust.org.uk
Mobile: 07940924416
Watch Tomos discuss how gardeners can stop the spread of invasive species:
Register plants which are spreading in your garden
You might have noticed other species that are spreading in your garden, and we want to hear about them.
Three handy tips on how you can help
Learn how to Be Plant Wise and protect the environment while enjoying your garden
Know what you grow
Choose the right plants for your garden, pond and water features. Download your free guide to plants to use in place of invasive species.
Stop the spread
Keep your plants in your garden - don't plant them, or allow them to grow, in the wild.
Compost with care
Dispose of your unwanted plants, roots, seeds, and seed heads responsibly. Find out which invasive plants can't be composted and how to dispose of them safely.
For more information on how gardeners can prevent invasive species visit:
Contact us: