The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is having a profound impact on how we go about our lives as individuals and as a society. In the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative the health, safety and welfare of our volunteers, staff and wider public is our top priority and we follow the latest Government advice as to what we should and should not be doing as part of the collective effort to manage the spread of COVID-19 .

We also recognise that there is value in maintaining outdoor and volunteer based activities at this time where these activities can be undertaken safely.  Therefore, we have produced the information below in light of the current Government advice as to how we propose to work. 

Group activities, events and outreach work

We must operate in a socially responsible way and not put ourselves or others at potential risk.  So, with immediate effect all SISI group events and activities will be postponed.

This includes all outdoor and indoor group sessions, school groups, talks, guided walks, meetings and training events.  

Outdoor conservation work

Our conservation work to control invasive non-native species will be continuing at the present time.  We recognise that outdoor volunteering has many positive benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing and will continue to try and provide these volunteer opportunities if we are able to safely do so and where they are consistent with Government advice. 

Additional guidance is available for our volunteers.

Keeping up to date

Should Government advice change in the future this may affect our ability to continue to offer volunteering opportunities and require change in our position.

You can find our latest response to the coronavirus on our website

You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Updated; 20^th March 2020