The Bush and The Moth

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.

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.)

Small bushes can be uprooted.

Larger plants are cut with loppers.

Cut stems are sprayed with a 20% solution of glyphosate

Mink spread in Patagonia

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

"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."

Read more about it here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-15461880