KNOTWEED KNEWS FLASH NOVEMBER 2009
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
THE KNOTWEED KNEWS ~ August/September 2009
OUR MAPPING PROJECT…
In August 2008, CGI embarked on a mapping of invasive species Japanese Knotweed (also Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam) along the Carron, with the view of then seeking expert advice on whether or not and how knotweed can be eradicated or controlled.
CGI understands that the roots are invasive, that it spreads easily, that it has a serious impact on Scottish biodiversity, impacting not only other plant life but insects, fish and other wildlife. We also understand that unfortunately the invasive species is holding up some of the riverbank. Therefore, our interest in this problem includes investigation into any possible solutions via natural flood defence in ensuring that the riverbank remains in place or is enhanced in terms of flood control.
The mapping project is anticipated to finish up in the Spring of 2010 and proceed to the next stage – which will be compiling all the data, determining the true picture and then approaching experts, professionals, councils, landowners and funders to determine how eradication and/or control can begin in this area.
Meanwhile, CGI’s knotweed volunteers continue to map, identify locations, follow up on knotweed spotted at development projects and try to keep abreast of the many things happening in the UK regarding this invasive plant.
BBC Landward video on the environmental dangers of Japanese Knotweed
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YOU CAN HELP US MAP INVASIVE SPECIES IN FALKIRK DISTRICT!
If you or your group want to help map invasive species along the River Carron (or anywhere in the Falkirk District), you may download or print these documents to help you get started. Please email us and we will also send your official CGI Volunteer Mapping ID card, Risk Assessment, and A4 maps for the area you wish to map:
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SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT TO UPDATE LAWS ON INVASIVE SPECIES:
There is an invasive species consultancy afoot which will hopefully result in some legislative changes that will better control the Knotweed problem. For more information follow this link:
[Further details]
CGI is preparing a statement to submit to the Wildlife & Natural Environment Bill Team, The Scottish Government, in order to take part in this consultancy.
The deadline for responses to the consultation is Friday 4 September 2009. Once the views expressed in consultation have been assessed, the Scottish Government’s current intention is to introduce a Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill to the Parliament at a suitable opportunity.
ENVIRONMENT MINISTER LISTENS TO CGI'S KNOTWEED CONCERNS!
On a rainy 8th of September, Roseanna Cunningham, Environment Minister visited CGI at the Heritage Rooms to talk about the issue of Japanese Knotweed. The meeting was attended by members of CGI, some of the invasive species mapping volunteers, Michael Matheson MSP, Cllr John McNally, Cllr Alex Waddell, CllR Jim Blackwood, Arthur Berg of Falkirk Environment Trust, Jim Graham of EB Scotland and others.
We had a good dialogue with her and walked with her to the river to see a large stand of knotweed. Falkirk Ranger Fiona Wishart gave us all a brief instruction about the problems of knotweed and gave the Minister a copy of her recent knotweed survey of the Carron reservoir area which is part of the River Carron mapping project. We also presented Roseanna Cunningham with various materials regarding our mapping project and we do feel encouraged that the government is seeking to address the non native invasive species problems, which are very complex. It was agreed that education of the public is key to help stop the spread of the plants while we all try to sort out how to monitor and control what is already present.
A follow up report on the event in the Falkirk Advertiser indicated that the Minister gave praise for CGI’s endeavours and noted that the Scottish Government is consulting on proposals for stronger legislation to prevent the spread of invasive species and introduce powers to control problem invasive non-native plants and animals.
CGI was very pleased that the Environment Minister was able to make time in her busy schedule to come talk to a grass roots group in this manner.
FALKIRK COUNCIL SERVICES ADVISED ON KNOTWEED
In response to our request to Fiona Wishart, FC Ranger, as to whether various council services could be educated and advised so that they would not inadvertently contribute to the spread of JKW (by strimming, etc.), Fiona took the bull by the horns (or knotweed by the roots?) and put together an advisory email with attachment leaflet which was circulated recently to the whole of Falkirk Council from the Outdoor Access Team. This was a nice piece of work and we wish to raise a cheer for Fiona and Angus Duncan of the team! The Outdoor Access Team has also been doing a lot of work to educate primary school pupils about knotweed. Excellent work!
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON IMPORTING AN INSECT TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM?
The government is seeking public input on the proposed use of the psylid insect to control Japanese Knotweed:
[Further details]
CGI may give input on this issue also. Follow the link below for the basic consultancy information and notice of an October 2009 deadline. Any intelligence on this issue would be appreciated, please email us!
[Further details]
FURTHER READING ON INVASIVE SPECIES
CGI is producing a series of articles regarding various invasive species. These articles, by various authors, are highly readable, extensive and informational, explaining the history and science of these issues. Check out our NEW LEAF NEWS page at this website for the following:
On JAPANESE KNOTWEED see our Summer 2009 Issue of NEW LEAF NEWS, Page 8, “An Invasive Threat to Biodiversity” by Art Berg
On Rhododendron, see our Spring 2009 Issue, page 7, “Invasive Species – Rhododendron Ponticum in the UK” by Art Berg
Giant Hogweed was covered in the Autumn 2009 Issue by Audrey Morrison & Clackmannanshire & Stirling Environment Trust.
Invasive Non-native Invertebrtes are covered in the Winter 2009 issue by Craig Macadam of Buglife
Other species to come in later issues. We welcome articles if you have expertise or an interest in these topics.
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Our volunteer trainers and knotweed experts:
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Audrey Morrison ~ Development Officer for Clackmannanshire and Stirling Environment Trust for last 10 years (funding community environmental improvement projects) and Project Manager for Stirling Invasive weeds project, for last 8 years which involves data collection and management, fund raising, contract management and public awareness raising. She holds an Honors Degree in Ecology, and Masters in Environmental Management |
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Fiona Wishart ~ Attended Falkirk College where she did her HND, with an advanced diploma in Ecology; then attended Napier University for an Honors Degree in Animal Biology. Has worked as a surveyor and has experience in habitat surveying of various plant species as well as Phase 1 and 2 surveys. She has also carried out some surveying of plantations in Scotland for the Forest Research/Forestry Commission. She worked in Loch Lomond National Park as a ranger for 4 years and has been an Outdoor Access and Biodiversity ranger with Falkirk Council for the past 3years. She is based in Falkirk and knows the area pretty well and knows most areas along the River Carron. |
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Knotweed photos courtesy Ranger Fiona Wishart, Janet Foster and CGI; "Psyllid: U R What U Eat" graphic McCallum (c) 2009. Request permission to use.