welcome

Welcome to the Scottish Invasives blog. Invasive non-native species (or INNS) are plants and animals that have been introduced to areas outside their natural range. INNS are currently recognised as one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. The Scottish Invasives blog is intended as an informal forum for those interested in invasive species control. If you wish to contribute, please get in contact. You can click on any of the images to see them at higher resolution.

Monday 20 September 2010

Polygonum?

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


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


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


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.

Thursday 16 September 2010

Balsam around Inverness


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!
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.

Monday 13 September 2010

Rhode spraying on the River Orrin

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.

Wednesday 8 September 2010

ID anyone???


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...

Monday 6 September 2010

Buddleia in Glenurquhart, Loch Ness


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


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