New project launched in Dumfries and Galloway to tackle
invasive species
EXT01 – B13
A new project to deal with invasive non-native species (INNS) in
Dumfries and Galloway was launched Wednesday 11 August.
The INNS partnership project will deliver a control programme on
the Nith and Annan catchments by providing practical support,
information, guidance and education on why and how to control INNS,
to land managers and the general public. A number of INNS are being
tackled, which include Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam, giant
hogweed, American mink and signal crayfish. The project will also
provide a point of contact to ensure sightings can be reported
centrally.
The project is part of the Scottish Environment Protection
Agency's (SEPA) Dumfries and Galloway Catchment Management
Initiative, and managed by a steering group, bringing together key
local organisations to help tackle the problem.
Practical INNS control will be undertaken by two project
officers working for the Annan and Nith District Salmon Fishery
Boards, with additional input from the Criminal Justice Community
Service programme. The project will dovetail with work that
Galloway Fisheries Trust is also about to start on the other
smaller river catchments in Dumfries and Galloway, and together
will provide practical work and advice about INNS right across the
region's rivers.
Funding has been provided from SEPA's Restoration Fund, LEADER
Dumfries & Galloway and Patersons Quarries Ltd, through the
Landfill Communities Fund. Solway Heritage will provide financial
management and Dumfries & Galloway Environmental Resources
Centre is providing records management support and a website for
the project.
Robert Kerr, SEPA's Operations Manager South-west, said:
"The issue of invasive species is a national one, threatening
biodiversity across the UK. Their ability to aggressively colonise
many areas has resulted in damage to our environment, the economy,
our health and the way we live. It's essential that everyone
understands the problems caused by these species and how to help
prevent their increase. We must all share responsibility for this
issue."
A project leaflet has been published to help identify the three
main plants in this project, which is available from SEPA and
partner organisation offices. The leaflet has tips on the best
methods of control and prevention of spread and a postcard to
enable people to report any sightings.
Ends
Note to editors:
- Photographs of the launch event are available. Please telephone
01786 452546 or email publicrelations@sepa.org.uk
- SEPA's restoration fund third round applications closes on 29
September 2010. Further information is available from the Restoration Fund.