Before you start

1. You need to know what you are looking for. Get familiar with the invasive plants. Go to the 'Invasive Species' section and read it carefully. Then try the worksheet to see if you can spot the 2 alien invasive species. Your teacher may also organize a field trip so you can see the plants growing wild.

2. You also need some experience in using an Ordnance survey map and giving a 6 figure grid reference. Find the 6 figure grid reference for your school.

3. We are asking that you try to survey an area of about 2 mile radius from your school. Plan how you will cover this area with your teacher. You need to find a good way to divide it up and describe which areas you have surveyed. Make a sketch map of the area(s) you intend to survey. You may not have access to the whole area depending on who owns the land.

4. Although we suggest you cover an area up to about 2 miles from your school, if you find the plants in other locations, e.g, near your home or on your route to school, we would also like this information. [Next]