Non-native species cost economy £1.7bn

The Independent reports that a report suggests that invasive non-native species such as grey squirrels and Japanese knotweed cost the British economy £1.7 billion every year. "The cost to the Scottish economy is £251 million a year and to the Welsh economy £133 million, according to the study, The Economic Cost of Invasive Non-Native Species to the British Economy. Costs to the English economy are significantly higher at £1.3 billion because more invasive non-native species (inns) have become established there. The rabbit is the most economically damaging species, followed by Japanese knotweed. Other creatures in the top 20 include the rat, the house mouse and the mink, along with plants such as the rhododendron and giant hogweed." Follow the link to read more. This article again shows how natural capital underpins a national economy.