Learning Hub
Identification support, trusted guidance, and learning resources for invasive non-native plants.
What You Will Find Here
PCA Guidance
Start here for practical, industry facing information on invasive plant management, plant status, and related technical issues.
UK Code of Practice for the Management of Invasive Non-Native Plants
The PCA’s main reference point for surveying, management, biosecurity, and practical decision making.
Open ResourcePCA Invasive Weed Technical Documents
Technical guidance documents and supporting resources for invasive weed management.
Open ResourcePCA Species List Guidance
Useful for checking plant status and understanding how individual species are treated across the UK.
Open ResourcePCA Herbicide Guidance
Guidance on the safe use, storage, and transportation of herbicides in invasive plant management.
Open ResourceModule 0 Learning
Use Module 0 if you want a more structured learning route. It is better for understanding invasive plants more broadly, not just checking one image.
Full PCA Module 0 Playlist
Structured introductory learning covering invasive plants, identification, risk, and biosecurity.
Open ResourceUnit 1: What are invasive plants
A good starting point if you are new to invasive non-native plants.
Open ResourceUnit 4: Japanese knotweed identification
Focused identification support for Japanese knotweed at different stages of growth.
Open ResourceUnit 5: Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed
Focused learning on two key legislative species and how to recognise them.
Open ResourceUnit 6: Other invasive plants
Useful background on additional invasive plants beyond the core headline species.
Open ResourceUnit 7: Biosecurity
Focused learning on biosecurity, spread prevention, and practical risk reduction.
Open ResourceUnit 8: Legislation
Focused learning on the main legal framework relevant to invasive non-native plants, including spread, waste, and management responsibilities.
Open ResourceExternal Resources
Use these resources to compare visible features such as leaves, stems, flowers, seed heads, and growth habit before confirming a plant.
NNSS ID Sheets
Use official NNSS identification sheets to compare visible features and narrow down likely matches.
Open ResourceNNSS Materials and Resources
Browse practical public facing resources that support identification and awareness of invasive species.
Open ResourceNNSS Invasive Plants in Your Garden
Useful guidance for garden plants and common concerns where invasive species may be involved.
Open ResourceNNSS Terrestrial Plants Guidance
Management and supporting information for terrestrial invasive plants.
Open ResourceUseful Next Steps
Return to the app flow when you are ready.