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Ellendale Environmental have many years of experience in invasive plant surveying and providing advice on dealing with invasive plant infestations. The species we survey for most frequently is the Japanese Knotweed, followed by Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam, each of which is particularly pernicious and spreads rapidly.
We can carry out a detailed and comprehensive survey for these and various other invasive species and follow this up with a management plan to get rid of the infestation, liaising between our clients and specialists. In some cases the process of eradicating these species can take several years if done in a cost-effective manner, taking a dig and dump approach is financially straining and environmentally damaging.
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The Threat From Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS)
Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) are the biggest threat to biodiversity and can cause major issues for development. INNS surveys are typically associated with plant species, most commonly Japanese knotweed, followed by giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam and rhododendron but can also include animal species such as the American mink. Surveys are a vital tool in order to detect invasive non-native species at an early stage of a project and ensure they do not become a significantly more costly problem.
Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) - Plants
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica was introduced from Japan in 1825 as an ornamental plant and is a strong-growing, clump-forming perennial, with tall, dense annual stems. Japanese knotweed is able to thrive throughout the UK and out-competes native plants, dominating areas particularly along river banks, railways and often gardens.
The plant dies back during the winter but is renewed by stem growth each year from the stout, deeply-penetrating rhizomes that can travel a distance from the main stand. The damage caused by its roots and stems is estimated to cost the economy around £166 million every year in weed control and property devaluation.
Under Schedule 9, Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause the species to grow in the wild. Section 14(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 states that “if any person plants or otherwise causes to grow in the wild any plant which is included in Part 2 of Schedule 9, he shall be guilty of an offence”. (Japanese knotweed is a Schedule 9 listed plant).
Japanese knotweed is classed as ‘controlled waste’ and as such must be disposed of safely at a licensed landfill site according to the Environmental Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991.
Giant Hogweed
Giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum is originally from southern Russia and Georgia and was introduced into Britain and mainland Europe from the Caucasus Mountains in the nineteenth century.Giant hogweed is a tall, cow parsley-like plant with thick bristly stems that are often purple-blotched and can reach over 3m (10ft) in height. The plant is invasive and potentially harmful. Chemicals in the sap can cause photodermatitis or photosensitivity, where the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight and may suffer blistering, pigmentation and long-lasting scars.
Under Schedule 9, Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause the species to grow in the wild. Section 14(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 states that “if any person plants or otherwise causes to grow in the wild any plant which is included in Part 2 of Schedule 9, he shall be guilty of an offence”. (Giant hogweed is a Schedule 9 listed plant).
Giant hogweed is classed as ‘controlled waste’ and as such must be disposed of safely at a licensed landfill site according to the Environmental Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991.
Himalayan Balsam
Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera was introduced to the UK in 1839. Itis a relative of the busy Lizzie, but reaches well over head height, and is a major problem weed, especially on riverbanks and waste land, but can also invade gardens. It grows rapidly and spreads quickly, smothering other vegetation as it goes.
Each plant can produce up to 800 seeds. These are dispersed widely as the ripe seedpods shoot their seeds up to 7m (22ft) away.
Under Schedule 9, Section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause the species to grow in the wild. Section 14(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 states that “if any person plants or otherwise causes to grow in the wild any plant which is included in Part 2 of Schedule 9, he shall be guilty of an offence”. (Himalayan balsam is a Schedule 9 listed plant).
Himalayan balsam is classed as ‘controlled waste’ and as such must be disposed of safely at a licensed landfill site according to the Environmental Protection Act (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron ponticum is a species of Rhododendron native to southern Europe and southwest Asia. Suckering of the root, together with its abundant seed production, has led to it becoming an invasive species in the UK.
Conservation organisations in Britain now believe R. ponticum has become a major problem in the native woodlands of the highlands of Scotland and in Wales, and on heathlands in southern England, crowding out the native flora. Research has also shown that the nectar of R. ponticum is toxic to European honeybees killing individuals within hours of consumption.
Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) - Animals
Invasive non-native species such as the American mink, signal crayfish and grey squirrel can cause significant problems for planners and developers.
American mink were introduced to Great Britain in 1929 for use in fur farming but individuals began to escape from farms and breed in the wild. Since their escape the native water vole has experienced one of the most rapid and serious declines of any British wild mammal during the 20th century.
The signal crayfish has driven the native white-clawed crayfish towards extinction through competition and transmission of a crayfish plague, which doesn’t harm signal crayfish but is fatal to white-clawed crayfish. It also burrows into riverbanks leading to erosion and increasing flood risk.
Why Choose Ellendale Environmental For INNS?
We have many years of experience in INNS surveying and providing advice on dealing with invasive flora and fauna infestations.
We can carry out a detailed and comprehensive survey for INNS and produce site-specific management plans, liaising between our clients, stakeholders and specialist contractors as required. In some cases the process of eradicating INNS species can take several years. Ellendale Environmental work with all our clients to ensure mitigation is undertaken in a cost-effective manner taking into account environmental legislation and best practice.