LIVE 24-SEVEN
Himalayan Balsam, Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Giant Rhubarb that allow very little else the chance to flourish. Additionally, the Giant Hogweed is a very real health risk with its sap causing phytophotodermatitis and Himalayan Balsam causing ground instabilities when this annual dies off in the autumn. Our disused quarries can be exceptionally rich with native flora but are also very vulnerable to being scrubbed over by non- native species such as Buddleia and various low-growing cotoneaster species. Ponds, lakes and ditches can be particularly vulnerable to INNS with species such as Parrot’s Feather, Australian Stonecrop and Water Fern becoming so abundant they clog the waterbody and outcompete everything else.
This sounds all a bit doom and gloom and it certainly is a major ecological concern, there are however things that can be done: n In the past, on aerial photographs, the River Usk in summer could be picked out snaking through the landscape by the white ribbon caused by riverbanks full of Giant Hogweed. Thanks to work by the Wye and Usk Foundation with willing landowners the species is virtually absent on The Wye and much reduced on The Usk. nThe Monnow Rivers Association has all but eradicated Himalayan Balsam from the entire River Monnow. nWe have been working with woodland owners in the Wye Valley to control Cherry Laurel.
93 Japanese Knotweed – Can regenerate and
spread just from a piece the size of a thumbnail. © Andy Karran
These species are such a problem because: n They out-compete our native flora for resources such as space, nutrients and light. nThey can reduce the light and heat reaching plants beneath them. nThey alter rates of nutrient cycling and in aquatic habitats can cause large changes in oxygen availability.
The above all result in reductions in floral diversity with knock-on negative effects on faunal diversity. In our woodlands, species such as Cherry Laurel and Rhododendron are spreading, causing intense shade and poisoning the ground so our native flora cannot flourish. Within the native ground flora, species such as Three-cornered Leek and “variegated” Yellow Archangel are spreading, carpeting woodlands and crowding out our native species, as well as Spanish Bluebells which are cross-breeding with our native Bluebells. Along our rivers there are banks dominated by swathes of
It shows what can be achieved with suitable resources, dedicated people and cooperation from landowners. n Gwent Wildlife Trust are currently undertaking conservation work including invasive species reduction at St Julian’s Wood with Newport Council and volunteers, as part of the Natural Resources Wales (NRW) funded project My Wild Newport. n For your part there are also other various things that can be done to prevent the spread of INNS: n Use where possible, native plants in garden. n Avoid where possible using any Schedule 9 species in the garden, particularly if you border the countryside. nDispose of garden waste appropriately (don’t throw over garden fence etc.). nDon’t throw any weed from fish tanks or garden ponds in to the wild. nTake part in volunteer parties to control species such as Himalayan Balsam. n Sightings of INNS should be reported in accordance with GB Non- native Species Secretariat guidance -
http://www.nonnativespecies.org/index.cfm?sectionid=81
To find out more about the work of Gwent Wildlife Trust please visit:
www.gwentwildlife.org
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
GWENT WI LDL I F E TRUST INNS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100
