About the ENNIS Project

The total annual cost of invasive non-native species to the British economy is estimated at approximately £1.8 billion and is one of the five major threats to the state of nature. This is said to be a conservative figure and does not include indirect costs which could be substantially higher.

There is currently a major threat to some of Exmoor’s pristine habitats from invasive species including Japanese and Himalayan knotweed, montbretia, Himalayan balsam, skunk cabbage and signal crayfish. These are negatively affecting our beautiful landscapes including our internationally recognised:

  • Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) – the Exmoor and Quantock Oakwoods and the Exmoor Heaths.
  • Six Sites of Special Scientific Interest some of which are in unfavourable condition partly because of the presence of invasive species.

Since 2005 Exmoor National Park has been at the forefront of tackling non-native invasive species. The exciting news of funding through Defra's Farming in Protected Landscapes grant, for our ENNIS Project, allows us to continue and expand on this work.

  • Get Involved with the ENNIS Project
    There are many opportunities for you to get involved with the ENNIS Project working to address the threat of non-native species.
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  • Knotweed Control
    Continue working with contractors on the annual treatment of Japanese, Himalayan, lesser and giant knotweed across the National Park. Click here to find out more about our Exmoor knotweed control programme.
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  • Skunk Cabbage Control
    Treat skunk cabbage at an early stage of invasion across the National Park before it becomes a major threat. To find out more about our Exmoor skunk cabbage control programme please click here.
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  • Rootwave Pro Trials
    Trial innovative organic approaches to control some of our invasive species with Rootwave Pro technology.
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  • Himalayan Balsam Pulling Trials
    Work with volunteers and local communities to control Himalayan balsam in our trial area on the River Barle.
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  • River Barle Crayfish Project
    Continue working with Nicky Green Associates to trial an innovative method of controlling signal crayfish involving the sterilisation of males
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