Scottish invasives

Ladybird decline driven by 'invading' harlequin

2012-02-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

'Ladybirds native to the UK and other European countries are declining fast as the invasive harlequin species spreads, scientists have shown'

Follow the link to view the BBC news article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16916726

Biobullets for Zebra mussels

2012-02-07T06:46:00.000-08:00

An interesting read through the following link to a BBC news article on a control technique for Zebra mussles:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-16788183

UK Crayfish website

2012-02-02T10:45:00.000-08:00

Visit the Buglife UK Crayfish website to find out about all crayfish species present in the UK. There is lots of info on Non Native crayfish

http://www.buglife.org.uk/conservation/currentprojects/Species+Action/UK+Crayfish+Website/Crayfish+for+professionals/Non+native+crayfish+and+disease

Be a citizen scientist and stop the spread of invasive species in Britain

2012-01-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

'The Observer Ethical awards have teamed up with the University of Hull to help record data on invasive species, so that scientists can monitor their spread and their effect on their local environment. The list of Britain's top 10 unwanted non-native invasive species is listed below. Over the next few months we're asking you to keep an eye out for these species and to photograph and catalogue whenever you can, sending this vital data off to the organisations listed in each box'

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2012/jan/15/citizen-scientist-invasive-species-pictures

'Invasive non-native species: Attack of the Aliens'

2012-01-16T08:22:00.000-08:00

A recent article from The Observer on INNS. Very good in my opinion!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/15/invasive-non-native-species-extinction

Scottish Mink Initiative update

2012-01-07T12:46:00.000-08:00

http://web83.extendcp.co.uk/scottishmink.org.uk/news.html

Click on the link to view the Scottish Mink Initiative Dec 2011 newsletter. Includes updates from all project areas and details of upcoming events.

'Waging war on rhodies'

2012-01-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

Follow the link to view the recent article from Trout and Salmon magazine on the Rhododendron clearance project currently underway on the River Orrin.

http://www.rafts.org.uk/conon-restoration-trout-salmon/

INNS Control - South West Scotland

2011-12-01T05:49:00.001-08:00

Just to let you all know that it isnot just up north that INNS control is taking place and we are running an INNS project down here on the River Annan. We have been battlingthe usual suspects of Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and American mink.

Japanese knotweed has been treated using thestem injection system and the impact on the plant in the first year has beenextremely encouraging. We aim to inject all visible stems that are large enoughand results can normally be seen after 2 weeks. We have managed to treat around80% of the known knotweed in the catchment at least once using this method.

To control Himalayan balsam wehave been working with the Criminal Justice Service (CJS) who have providedteams of unpaid workers (as they are now called) who have been cutting and handpulling balsam along the river. As part of the project 5 of the unpaid workersreceived Lantra brushcutter training increasing their chances of futureemployment. Unfortunately as with many places the Himalayan balsam populationhas literally exploded this year covering 3 or 4 times as much of the catchmentas in the previous years.

American mink control has beenmore successful and the number of mink in the upper catchment has been heavilyreduced. This is being backed up by the number of prints recorded on rafts aswell as anecdotal evidence from anglers. We hope to build more rafts and expandthe operation further downstream and into the tributaries of the Annan over thenext few months.

The Bush and The Moth

2011-11-15T09:17:00.000-08:00

After a summer controlling Himalayan balsam in the Lower Ness catchment, Steve and his two colleagues had earned a trip to the seaside with Tom Prescott of Butterfly Conservation Scotland.
These cliffs on the west coast of Mull support a rare moth and a well-established population of the bush Cotoneaster microphyllus, a native of the Himalayas. Gardeners are encouraged to plant Cotoneaster for its berries, which are attractive to birds. Unfortunately, the birds then go and plant it where it is less welcome.

2011-11-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

These cliffs are one of very few sites in UK where the Slender Scotch Burnet occurs. Cotoneaster has steadily invaded its habitat. In recent years, work has been undertaken by Butterfly Conservation Scotland to clear areas of Cotoneaster and restore the moth's natural habitat. Volunteers have played an important role in this work. (Photo by John Knowler.)

2011-11-15T08:58:00.000-08:00

Small bushes can be uprooted.

2011-11-15T08:55:00.000-08:00

Larger plants are cut with loppers.

2011-11-15T08:52:00.000-08:00

Cut stems are sprayed with a 20% solution of glyphosate

Mink spread in Patagonia

2011-11-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

Invasives are a worldwide problem...
In 1974, a bird new to science was discovered in Patagonia. Only a few decades later, it is now considered to be Endangered. Its numbers have fallen for various reasons, but the introduction of non-native trout has contributed to the decline. Introduced American mink have also been spreading in western Patagonia. When researchers visited one of their breeding sites in March this year, they found mink had devastated the colony. Over 30 breeding adults were killed, and over 40 eggs abandoned.

Japanese knotweed invasion causes major price drop for Hertfordshire home

2011-11-02T03:20:00.000-07:00

"The price of a couple's Hertfordshire house has dropped by more than £250,000 because Japanese knotweed has invaded it, according to an independent surveyor.

With its value falling from an estimated £305,000 to £50,000, experts have told owners Matthew Jones and Sue Banks from Broxbourne that, unless action is taken, it will be impossible to sell."

Rhododendron on the way out at Torridon

2011-10-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

Deciduous bushes in winter? No, rhododendron killed by stem injection. For the last few years, the National Trust for Scotland have been working towards eradicating Rhododendron ponticum at their Inverewe and Torridon properties in Wester Ross.

2011-10-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

Stephen Mason kindly showed me the results of the stem injection treatments at Torridon.

2011-10-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

A leafless rhododendron stand, 12 months after treatment.

2011-10-30T11:32:00.000-07:00

Every stem must be injected. Any missed will survive. With the higher light levels, mosses are already moving in.

2011-10-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

Inevitably, a few stems are missed, especially where they have layered, as here.

2011-10-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

The dead stems have been removed, and the ground has started re-vegetating.

Rhododendron control

2011-10-25T07:17:00.001-07:00

Rob Dewar of National Trust for Scotland demonstrates stem injection of R. ponticum. This is a quick, environmentally benign method of killing rhododendron.
This was demonstrated last week during a workshop on rhododendron control at Kinloch Hourn. Thanks to all the 'rhoddy experts' who contributed, and the Estate, who provided material to practice on.

2011-10-25T07:14:00.000-07:00

The "lever-and-mulch" technique uses hand-tools, and no chemicals.

Rhododendron survey

2011-10-06T12:45:00.000-07:00

An initial survey of Rhododendron ponticum along Loch Hourn - a lot easier by boat!

Updates on the Killer Shrimp

2011-09-27T01:56:00.000-07:00

Photo: Environment Agencyhttps://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonnativespecies/alerts/index.cfm?id=3

Dikerogammarus villosus, sometimes known as the 'killer shrimp', is an invasive non-native species that has spread from the Ponto-Caspian Region of Eastern Europe. As a voracious predator it kills a range of native species, including young fish, and can significantly alter ecosystems. It is present at three locations across England and Wales and has not yet been discovered elsewhere.

A new briefing note to keep stakeholders informed of developments relating to the Killer Shrimp (Dikerogammarus villosus) is now available. In addition, the Environment Agency has compiled a factsheet summarising the most relevant facts about this species. CEFAS have also reported on biosecurity treatments used for the killer shrimp. All updates available through weblink above.

Scottish Mink Initiative new website!

2011-09-27T01:34:00.000-07:00

http://www.scottishmink.org.uk/

The Scottish Mink Initiative aims to create a 20,000 sq km safe haven for native wildlife in rural Tayside, Aberdeenshire, Moray, the Cairngorms and the Highlands. The initiative aims to protect native wildlife, such as water voles, ground nesting birds and economically important populations of salmon and game birds.

There are five full time members of staff - four locally based Mink Control Officers who recruit and coordinate volunteer effort and a Coordinator who oversees the day to day running of the project:

Project Coordinator: Hollie Walker 07825 183 037 hollie@rafts.org.uk
Aberdeenshire: Sarah Atkinson 07825 180 319 sarah@rafts.org.uk
Cairngorms & Moray: Cat Robinson 07825 185 178 cat@rafts.org.uk
North Tayside: Ann-Marie MacMaster 07825 186 043 ann-marie@rafts.org.uk
Highland: Gunnar Scholtz 07825 184 080 gunnar@rafts.org.uk

The Deveron,Bogie & Isla Fisheries Trust along with the Cromarty Firth Fisheries Trust are taking on the project within their areas:
Deveron, Bogie & Isla: Alastair Fenn 07850 328 382 alastairfenn@deveron.org
Cromarty Firth, Black Isle & Kyle of Sutherland: Meryl Norris 07828 140 392 merylnorris@gmail.com

PHD Student from the University of Aberdeen
West Coast (Kyle of Lochalsh & Gairloch): Elaine Fraser 07801 953 436 elaine.fraser@abdn.ac.uk

If you are keen to volunteer with the project please contact your relevant project officer.

Himalayam balsam in a riparian woodland

2011-09-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

It was definitely a wet woodland today.......

Around a field margin.....

2011-09-21T08:19:00.000-07:00

Is'nt it bonny...?

2011-09-21T01:49:00.000-07:00

Japanese knotweed by the Tay.

Update on the taxonomy of Rhododendron ponticum

2011-09-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

New research by James Cullen and the Botanical Society of the British Isles finds that naturalised populations commonly identified as R. ponticum in fact represent parts of a complex variable hybrid swarm involving that species and R. catawbiense and R. maximum, and perhaps R. macrophyllum.

The name R. x superponticum Cullen is proposed.

Find out more at: http://www.bsbi.org.uk/blog.html

http://www.bsbi.org.uk/

VIDEO: Japanese knotweed above Pitlochry

2011-09-12T02:51:00.000-07:00

The thing about invasives is that the more you look, the more you find. This source is at Moulin, above Pitlochry. Fragments had been found further down in the town itself, possibly/ probably coming from this source. Japanese knotweed really is a problem in towns where it can affect buildings and is very expensive to put right any damage that it causes.

By the Tay

2011-09-09T06:43:00.000-07:00

The photos below are from a survey for invasives along the Tay between Aberfeldy and Kenmore. The dominant invasive is himalayam balsam, which is extensive but still containable. Small areas of Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and white butterburr are also present, along with a small area of the garden escapee Lambium. There are several thousand square metres in total over a length of about 6 miles.

We are looking for a way of funding eradication of these species.

Intermingling with other riverside vegetation

2011-09-09T06:39:00.000-07:00

VIDEO: Himalayam Balsam mapping

2011-09-09T06:37:00.000-07:00

Giant hogweed leaves.

2011-09-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

Butterburr

2011-09-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

This plant is becoming establsihed in the area between Kenmore and Aberfeldy, in this case, constraining a footpath.

Japanese knotweed below Kenmore

2011-09-09T06:25:00.000-07:00

Lower down....

2011-09-09T06:24:00.000-07:00

VIDEO: An invasives source

2011-09-09T06:22:00.000-07:00

Garden escapee

2011-09-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

This pretty little planr is called Lambium, and is threatening to become invasive in many areas of the country.

Non Native Species Secretariat Newsletter

2011-08-18T00:57:00.000-07:00

https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonnativespecies/news/index.cfm?id=55

The new Non Native Species Secretariat newsletter provides a summary of some of the most significant developments over the past few months. It's aimed at a broad audience and designed to promote better sharing of information, greater awareness and encourage partnership working. We hope that it will also provide an opportunity for local groups to share experiences of tackling the INNS problems in their area.

Invasive Species Compendium

2011-07-08T05:51:00.000-07:00

The Invasive Species Compendium is an online, open access reference work covering recognition, biology, distribution, impact and management of the world's invasive plants and animals.

To find out more:

http://www.cabi.org/Default.aspx?site=170&page=4127

CABI Invasive Species Compendium:

http://www.cabi.org/isc

If you can't kill 'em....

2011-07-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

....build a great big wall to stop 'em!

Two dams have been constructed in an attempt to prevent the spread of American Signal Crayfish from the Clyde to the Annan catchment.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-13964184

Ladybird spotting: British v foreign bugs

2011-07-08T05:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14043356

A handy new article on how to tell our native ladybirds from the invasive Harlequin...coming to a garden near you soon?!?!

Kill and learn lots

2011-07-07T07:21:00.000-07:00

Last year we decided to take on the prevalent problem of skunk cabbage on the Duirinish Burn at Balmacara. We dug out and analysed the plants and then dug out the rest and learnt quite a lot in the process. I have walked the burn this season and have been impressed with the results. The method works! The problem hasn't gone away, some seedlings went undetected, some plants weren't completely removed and of course there is the five hundred metre stand and associated spread supplying seed down the burn that hasn't been tackled yet. We did remove one particular plant at the "sepation zone" and left it to see how it re-grew, and it is fine and healthy - minus and seed head now.

Whilst hunting for largely absent plants earlier in the season I did get proof of seed distribution and found that the seed is about 2-3mm brown and a bit leathery, see pic above. I think control was something of the order of 90% but I now have questions about if a small crow bar could be used to pulverise the base plate and if that cluster of seedlings are actually sprouts from remaining plant fragments........? Have to get out and find out.

Reaching for the sky

2011-06-10T04:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-10T04:19:00.000-07:00

Balsam bashing near Smithton.

Water Users Beware!

2011-06-09T03:46:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-04T12:19:00.001-07:00

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

More Skunk cabbage from Strathconon earlier this year

2011-05-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

Found at a garden pond in Strathconon with a burn leading into the main River Meig. A potential problem but doesn't appear to be at the moment according to Meryl.

Also found in another garden pond leading into the main Conon river system. The Victorians have a lot to answer for.

Skunk on the run

2011-05-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

American Skunk Cabbage has been steadily encroaching into an area of wet woodland by Loch Mhor. After failing to reduce the population with a spade, we resorted to glyphosate. All treated plants died. Those shown here were left as a control, and marked with a cane.

2011-05-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

Inevitably, a few small plants were missed. Most were hiding under mum's skirts when the sprayer came round.

2011-05-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

Are these clusters of small plants evidence that Skunk Cabbage sets viable seed?

Space invader

2011-05-27T03:59:00.000-07:00

In the early stages of colonisation, Himalayan balsam can seem a fairly innocuous plant. But as it establishes, it can become heavily dominant, excluding native species.

Gardeners beware...Be Plant Wise

2011-05-26T04:15:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the year again when the frost has halted and it's time to get those gardens and ponds sorted out....but are you Being Plant Wise???

Certain plants can take over our gardens and ponds. They can also become established in the wild, where they can smother our native plants, clog our waterways, worsen flooding and remove oxygen from the water, which can harm fish.

By doing something very simple, such as composting excess plants carefully, we can all help the environment and reduce costs.

To Be Plant Wise just follow these easy steps to ensure Invasive Non Native Plants don't spread into the surrounding countryside:

Be plant wise to the threat of invasive plants, which can take over your pond or garden and damage the environment.

Be careful if you move pond plants around – even tiny fragments can cause massive problems. Take care when maintaining your pond or disposing of waste water.

Don’t dump plants in the wild - you could be breaking the law. Always dispose of old plants and pond material responsibly, by composting or using a green waste bin.

For further information on INNS causing problems in Highland download the Cromarty Firth Fishery Trusts Invasive Species Information Pack for gardeners through the following link:

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/29384831/gardener%20awareness%20raising%20info%20pack.pdf

and visit the Be Plant Wise website:

https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonnativespecies/beplantwise/

It's time to hang your...balsam out to dry!

2011-05-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful growing season we have been having so far! Unfortunately the same applies to our non native plant invaders such as Himalayan balsam which is back with avengence!

Cue BTCV and their many merry volunteers!

Because when a plant can grow from this.....

.....to this in a few short weeks we need all the help we can get!

Lower Ness INNPS Project

2011-05-20T02:13:00.001-07:00

Scottish Native Woods will resume its programme to control Invasive Non-Native Plants (INNPS) in Glenurquhart this year. The project is being extended to include other INNPS hotspots in the Lower Ness catchment. These include several populations of Himalayan balsam around Inverness.
Having tried a variety of control methods for balsam, we have found the most useful tool for the job is a Martindale 781 Slasher. It is a light hand-tool with a long reach ideal for difficult spots such as steep banks, and among woody vegetation. If it's kept sharp, it can be used to cut through scrub, nettles and brambles where balsam often hides.
More info at http://www.ralphmartindale.co.uk/

... the Slasher in action

2011-05-20T01:54:00.000-07:00

Butterbur

2011-04-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

In leaf, it looks like a giant coltsfoot.

Spot the ball (sam)

2011-04-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture to get a larger image. Then count the wee Himalayan balsam plants and win a prize.

River Peffery Dingwall

2011-04-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

As well as the invasive plant removal project on the River Peffery, there are a series of other restoration works ongoing under the River Peffery Restoration Project. Clean up days, tree planting and instream restoration activities will be taking place throughout the year. All activities are open to volunteers of any age, to find out more visit The Greenhouse shop on Dingwall High Street.

http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/2182042?UserKey=

MoD to spend £3m on decontaminating Derry's Fort George site

2011-03-30T04:51:00.000-07:00

The Ministry of defence are spending £3m to decontaminate the site from heavy oils, diesels, heavy metals and Japanese knotweed.

"A plant that needs to be disposed of along with the hazardous waste is also present on the site."

"Japanese knotweed can be dealt with and will be dealt with," Mr McCullough said.

"It will be sifted and burnt. "It's a painstaking operation, but if it's left untreated it can return and undermine foundations of the buildings and cause considerable damage to buildings in the future."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-12756767

Check, Clean, Dry

2011-03-30T04:45:00.000-07:00

The GB Non-native Species Secretariat have launched their campaign to stop the spread of invasive plants and animals in British waters.

https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/nonnativespecies/index.cfm?sectionid=98

Botanical gardens an age old culprit in the spread of invasive plants...

2011-03-28T17:56:00.000-07:00

Evidence suggests that botanic gardens play a part in the spread of invasive alien species, which have escaped from collections, a study has concluded. The paper's author says garden managers need to focus on assessing the risk of potentially invasive plants escaping. The findings will appear in the journal Trends in Ecology and Evolution. Read the rest of the article on the BBC news website. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12849021

Japanese knotweed in your garden...

2011-03-07T02:07:00.000-08:00

These storys are from early last year but still as relevant today I'm sure...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertynews/7436431/Mortgages-refused-over-invasive-weed.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/7768301/Homeowner-turned-down-for-mortgage-due-to-Japanese-Knotweed-in-garden.html

The burs and the bees

2011-03-01T12:26:00.001-08:00

White butterbur flowering in Glenurquhart today, 1st March.

2011-03-01T12:21:00.001-08:00

White butterbur Petasites albus is found locally in UK, and is most frequent in east Scotland.

2011-03-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

2011-03-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

When bees start to emerge from their hives on sunny days in late winter, they may find few flowers for feeding. These white butterbur flowers were popular with early bees and flies.

2011-03-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

American Mink in Scotland

2011-02-02T05:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12323300

A recent article from the BBC news website. Showcasing the worlds largest Mink eradication project from our very own doorstep. Already a successful project further plans are to double the area of mink removal to 20,000 sq km, working with the rivers and fishery trusts of Scotland (RAFTS), Scottish Wildlife Trust, Univeristy of Aberdeen and Scottish Natural Heritage with a further aim of eventually expanding the project to work UK wide.

If you wish to get involved and volunteer to look after a Mink Raft in the Highlands please contact me at m.norris@btcv.org.uk and I will be able to give you further information or provide you with the equipment myself.

Grey squirrel hitches a lift to Skye - Maybe?

2011-01-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

Recently spotted in Skye but dealt with was a grey squirrel. Was reported on http://www.hbrg.org.uk/ in the news section on the 13th December . No other details.
Martin

Landward feature on INNS

2010-11-22T02:12:00.000-08:00

Dougie Vipond presents a feature on Invasive Non-native Species on BBC Landward, Friday 3rd December, 7 pm.

Monsanto Technical advice

2010-11-09T07:33:00.000-08:00

Monsanto - producers of the chemicals we probably use most in controlling invasives. As unlikely as it sounds their Technical advice line is very good, it seems to be manned by one person whose knowledge and helpfulness is very useful. If you have a question about a particular formulation and use near water or standard dilution rates or approvals for stump treatment etc this can be the easiest way to get information quickly - and they do call you back if you leave a message. In conversation earlier I hear there is a new Glyphosate formulation in testing that will be a gel and will not contain any surfactant - the toxic part of Roundup (Glyphosate itself is prectically non toxic) - sounds good for stump treatment, stem treatment and foliar treatment over water. Just a couple of years to wait probably.

I am not a fan of Monsanto particularly but this is a good service.

Bursting with 'promise'

2010-10-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

Taken before the recent frosts, Himalayan balsam busy securing its foothold in the Milton - Culloden area. We'll hopefully start tackling this problem next year. Any volunteers?

2010-10-29T08:48:00.001-07:00

Pampas grass

2010-10-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

Has anyone noticed spread of pampas grass Cortaderia selloana We have a couple of places local to here where it has escaped but I wonder if it a widespread problem. I only ask because whilst invasive surfing on the DAISIE website (European invasive species project) it was listed as one of the top one hundred invasives in Europe. Is this another there but not noticed species?

.one afternoon driving along the estate roads and what did I find but a rare pampas flowering gorse..........an invasives joke by one of the estate residents here perhaps? Who knows

Two for £8...bargain?!

2010-10-18T03:06:00.000-07:00

Look what I came across on sale in Lidl...Rhododenderon...there is no information on the label about what variety it is but from the picture it looks alot like ponticum don't you think???

Himalayan knotweed as bad as Japanese knotweed?

2010-10-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

I have recently discovered quite substantial stands of Himalayan knotweed near to the river Blackwater, along the way I discovered a house which is obviously inhabited by a builder of some sort and had recently done some building work of their own...I wonder do they realise what this plant is poking up from their building soil?!?! I found out that the house a mere 200 m downstream was the son to this household and guess what was in his back yard too! Classic example of spreading through top soil. Can anyone tell me if Himalayan knotweed presents the same danger to building work as Japanese knotweed???

Highland Invasive Species Forum

2010-10-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

The Forum had a good turn-out for its annual meeting. After an indoor session in Marybank hall, we ventured out into the rain. In the woods at Fairburn, we viewed the results of an ongoing project (run by Cromarty Firth Fishery Trust) to remove Rhododendron ponticum and got a wee taste of lever-and-mulch from Gordon French.

2010 Mink escape!

2010-09-30T11:06:00.001-07:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/29/animal-activists-freeing-5000-mink

An interesting article from the Guardian.

Polygonum?

2010-09-20T02:19:00.000-07:00

A dense patch of this 1.5m tall plant is growing on a riverbank in Cawdor. Evidently in the family Polygonaceae (knotweeds etc...). Can anyone identify it, please?

Giants

2010-09-20T02:09:00.000-07:00

The dead flower stems of Giant hogweed dwarf broom bushes (which are about head height), giving some impression of their impressive stature. Not an easy plant to eradicate as seed retains viability for many years.

Terrible trio

2010-09-20T01:56:00.000-07:00

Three of the highest priority Invasive Non-native Species (INNS) in one frame.

Japanese knotweed (left), Himalayan balsam (foreground) and giant hogweed (right) all share a predilection for ungrazed riparian areas. Between them, they leave little room for native plants and present a real challenge for those using riverbanks for access, whether fishermen or families out for an afternoon stroll.

Knotweed flowering

2010-09-20T01:47:00.000-07:00

Early autumn is a good time to treat Japanese knotweed, in fact many perennial weeds, as they are now storing reserves ready for next spring. The leaves take up systemic herbicides efficiently and translocate them down to the root system.

Balsam around Inverness

2010-09-16T04:11:00.001-07:00

There are a number of Himalayan balsam populations around Inverness. Those located so far are Holm Burn, Mill Burn, Scretan and Cairnlaw Burns (both below Smithton). This is the lower section of the Scretan Burn, showing balsam dominating the banks and floodplain.

If you know of other areas with Himalayan balsam, please let me know by adding a comment below or phoning 01456 486426. Thanks!

2010-09-16T04:06:00.001-07:00

It is less usual to see balsam growing on a slope. It is well-established and has apparently colonised from the floodplain below, indicating that it has probably been here a few years.

Rhode spraying on the River Orrin

2010-09-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Rhododenderon clearance is ongoing along the Orrin river.. Work began last winter when the plants were manually removed from a large section along the river bank on the Fairburn estate. The stumps are now being sprayed with herbicide to prevent regrowth as new plants will sprout from the cut back stumps. This is one of the methods employed to clear rhodes from this area. Stem injection is also being carried out on certain sections, pictures and info of that to follow.
The work is being carried out by BTCV with use of Cromarty Firth fishery trust baliffs who all hold the spraying licence required for such spraying.

ID anyone???

2010-09-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

Can anyone ID this plant? It was found along the Blackwater river by one of the Fishery Baliffs, he said it was growing in a big stand right next to a stand of Japanese knotweed...the pic isn't great as the specimen was a bit whithered by the time I got it!...I think it might be Himalayan knotweed...

Buddleia in Glenurquhart, Loch Ness

2010-09-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

Like many invasives, Buddleia favours disturbed habitats. Seen here colonising banks on the River Coiltie.

2010-09-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

Little wonder it is known as Butterfly Bush. These bushes were aflutter with Peacock, Red Admiral and Small Tortoiseshell butterflies.

The BBC visit Glenurquhart

2010-08-20T06:45:00.000-07:00

The BBC Landward team visited Glenurquhart earlier this week. A useful opportunity to highlight the importance of INNPS.

Is Rosebay Willowherb native or non-native?

2010-08-20T05:56:00.001-07:00

A tricky one... The answer is that Rosebay Willowherb Chamerion angustifolium appears to be both native and introduced.

It was a rare upland species in the British Isles until the 19th century, when it dramatically changed its behaviour. Perhaps with the introduction of genes from elsewhere in its range (N. America or Scandinavia, perhaps), it became a vigorous pioneer of disturbed habitats.

It has now expanded its range to most of mainland Britain and Ireland, and is a familiar sight on railway embankments, roadside verges, waste land and clearfell sites. It is a great favourite of bees.

2010-08-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

This field of Rosebay willowherb or ‘fireweed’ provides a spectacular scene but also shows how invasive this plant is. I heard from a local man that this field was in use as agricultural land up to only two years ago so this fireweed has really taken hold and spread rapidly in a relatively short period of time. Does anyone have any examples of sites where this invasive is being controlled?

Himalayan balsam Christmas trees?!?...

2010-08-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

These Himalayan balsam plants were in an area of felled woodland next to the river Sgitheach, their branching pattern and large size share similarities with the shape of a Christmas tree! Most balsam plants growing in dense clumps tend to be tall and straight with the flowering structures located at the top. I believe this branching pattern may be caused when the plants get snapped off whilst growing but the root and bottom node remain allowing the plant to regenerate and regrow. These few larger branched plants were out in the open with plenty of space which may also benefit this growth structure. Any other suggestions???

Cutting balsam

2010-08-18T13:33:00.000-07:00

Unlike most invasive plants, Himalayan balsam can be effectively controlled without using chemicals. Scattered plants can be uprooted, while dense stands can be cut using a Martindale weed slasher.

Skunk cabbage control

2010-08-18T04:07:00.000-07:00

This May we decided to experimentally dig out Skunk Cabbage from a burn here on the estate. There were a large number of plants ranging from tiny seedlings to full grown plants in the water on the bank, in the woods. We first assessed the plants structure decide what was the best approach.

We found that it has a structure a little like a leek with leaves wrapping around each other down to base plate with lateral roots from that. We decided to take the approach of pulling or digging out the base plate to see if that would destroy it's ability to regenerate. On a large plant the base plate can be around 30-40cm deep, on a seedling it is almost at ground level, it varies. We found new leaf buds inside the leaves at the base. Also that when we tried to pull the plant it would routinely separate right above where this bud was growing, presumably to protect the plant from spates.

We dug out all the plants we found, we also tried to pulverise the base plate on really large plants. The best tool is a small spade to get into tight spaces to dig. We think a smallish crow bar might be useful to bash the plate into oblivion, not sure. We do know it's time consuming but the NNSS website says it's not suitable for chemical control (in wet woodlands)

We visited the worst sites a month and a half later and found seedlings we missed, one regenerated plant where we couldn't get to the root but no signs of other plants coming back at all. We think that to get the base plate out, leaving the lateral roots is an effective control but we won't know for sure until next spring. Does this tally with the experience of others?

Spiraea

2010-08-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

Another widespread garden escape which seems to be spreading: Spiraea or Bridewort. Flowers may be pink or white. It often forms dense 'hedges' along roadsides. One to watch?

2010-08-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sweet Cicely

2010-08-10T13:19:00.001-07:00

Sweet Cicely has attractive fern-like foliage.