Joining forces to fight the forest invaders

A partnership project to weed out invasive non-native plants that are threatening important wildlife-rich sites in the Forest is to receive £35,000 funding from the New Forest National Park Authority.

Five particularly invasive plants are being tackled:

	Japanese knotweed native to Japan, Taiwan and northern China, introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant in the early 19 century; can grow through walls, tarmac and concrete Credit photo: Non-Native Species Secretariat.
	Himalayan balsam native to western Himalaya, now the tallest annual plant found in Britain, growing 2-3 metres high Credit: Non-Native Species Secretariat
	Giant hogweed a perennial plant that can grow up to 5 metres tall; native of the Caucasus mountains and now widespread in Britain, especially along river banks Credit: Catherine Chatters.
	American skunk cabbage can grow in many different environments, native of western North America; named skunk cabbage because of its musky scent Credit: Non-Native Species Secretariat
	New Zealand pygmyweed has spread rapidly in Britain’s ponds and lakes since the 1970s; first introduced from New Zealand and Australia as an oxygenating plant for ponds. Credit: Peter Llewellyn

Originally introduced into British private gardens and estates, all five plants are now established in the countryside, where their vigorous growth can overwhelm native species and they can spread alarmingly quickly.  The New Forest is one of the most important areas for wildlife in western Europe and it is vital that action is taken to prevent the spread of the aggressive invaders.

The New Forest National Park Authority has joined forces with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, the Forestry Commission, Defra and Natural England to deal with the problem visitors.  The project was launched in May 2009 on International Day for Biological Diversity.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s New Forest Non-Native Plants Officer, Catherine Chatters, has asked farmers and landowners to help with the project.  Anyone living in or near the New Forest who has any of the invasive plants on their land is asked to telephone her on 023 8042 4205 or email catherinec@hwt.org.uk so that the project can develop a record of where the plants are growing. The project organisers can also give advice and arrange for work to eradicate them or control their growth.

Related link

Hampshire Wildlife Trust