Results just released from the July 09 consultation on the proposed release of the non-indigenous insect, Aphalara itadori, into the environment as a biological control agent for Japanese Knotweed. Most who took part in the public consultation were cautiously supportive of the release of this insect (as was CGI), many raised further questions and concerns and an additional meeting for further discussion has been called—to be held at Defra’s Innovation Centre, Reading, on December 9th. With the results of the consultation, this final meeting will inform the Government’s decision as to whether this insect should be deliberately released in England and Wales.

Follow the link below to read up on the thought provoking questions and answers from the consultation and for more information on the 9th December meeting:

Download consultation

If you would like to make further comments or provide additional evidence for CGI to pass along, please send your views in by email BEFORE 16th December to communitygreeninitiative@yahoo.co.uk.

PS: Angela Robinson, Invasive Non-Native Species Policy Rural Directorate, has sent us the following links:

Non-Native Species Secretariat website – this is a portal for information about non-native species in Great Britain: http://www.nonnativespecies.org/ You’ll find lots more information on that website about the various things going on at a GB level – both involving policy and the various events and consultations relating to non-native species. And for more information on invasive non-native species, visit: www.scotland.gov.uk/invasivespecies