Bore da pawb,
Just back from a two week break, unusual for me to take two weeks off together but was really needed and appreciated.
This week, commencing 17th June, is Invasive Species week, (INNS).
However there are many more species across all taxonomic groups that lurk quietly in our countryside and on our coastline. There are currently approximately 47 plants listed as being invasive species; and 69 animals. I'll add a link here for you to explore. Schedule 9 of the Wildlife &Countryside Act | UK Wildlife | Nature | Biodiversity
You will notice some odd birds listed such as Barn Owl, White Tailed Eagle, this is a measure to prevent or at least make an offence to release captive bred animals of unknown DNA strains being released.
Locally we are dealing Sea Buckthorn ,which we treat as an INNS as it does not naturally occur in Wales, along with Japanese Rose- Rosa rugosa which is invasive on sand dunes especially, this was planted without any thought for the consequences; as a "pretty plant" when the extensive coastal regeneration works for the Millennium were undertaken. Sadly many of the invasive plants need herbicide treatment to ensure eradication, this in itself can be controversial but a wider long term view is needed.
Whilst we do what we can with limited resources its great to see organisations such as Cyfeillion y Coetir, (friends of Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park) and West Wales River Trust doing some good work with Himalayan Balsam. ( their web link isn't working when I'm writing the blog)
Perhaps a more insidious invasive is Pendulous Sedge Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula) - Woodland Trust
This prolific seed bearer is spreading through suitable woodlands and can become very dense shading out other plants especially along woodland edges, and whilst the link doesn't make mention of its potential as an invasive it will be one to watch out for, its also very difficult to dig up!
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