Public views on plant health and invasive non-native species

Main findings

Most respondents reported that the impacts of plant pest and diseases and INNS are important, both locally and to a national level. However, most respondents identified lack of knowledge, awareness and incentive to adopt behaviour change as the highest risks to plant health, followed by climate change.

The biosecurity measures respondents reported would help reduce the spread of INNS the most were guidance on how to control or eradicate INNS, installing signage and cleaning equipment in public places, and promoting the use of native species.

Most respondents had not actively searched or asked for information on plant pest and diseases. 40% of respondent had recalled seeing, hearing or reading about plant and tree pests and diseases; of those that had viewed information, almost half agreed it was easy to find and understand.

The factors most likely to prevent respondents from taking action were not knowing what actions to take, not having the resources (e.g. money) to do what is needed, and not having the authority to do what is needed.