Reaching for the sky

Giant hogweed. Everything about this plant is big, even its name ... Heracleum mantegazzianum.

It is a biennial, so individual plants die after flowering. However, its seeds can survive up to 5 years in the soil, so whatever treatment is used, control must be continued for at least 5 years on any given site.

Slashers at dawn

Balsam bashing near Smithton.

Water Users Beware!

Our waterways are under threat from invasive aquatic species.

As a water user, you may unknowingly be helping to spread invasive species from one waterbody to another in equipment, shoes and clothing.


Help stop this happening by following these three simple steps: Check, Clean, Dry.



Check your equipment and clothing for living organisms

Pay particular attention to areas that are damp or hard to inspect



Clean and wash all equipment, footwear and clothes thoroughly

If you do come across any organisms, leave them at the waterbody where you found them



Dry all equipment and clothing: some species can live for several days in damp conditions

Make sure you don't transfer water elsewhere



For further information visit: http://www.nonnativespecies.org

Anglers in Highland use this information pack which highlights INNS issues in your region: http://db.tt/VfAfGY9

Double whammy

Rhododendron ponticum and Japanese knotweed vie for space on a roadside at Ardgour.