2015 INNS Newsletter_Final - GB non

Giant Hogweed and Invasive Non -Native
Plants Project for the Medway Catchment
Newsletter 2015
Inside this issue

Giant Hogweed
in the News!

Upcoming INNS
Training Workshop - Book Now

Medway Valley Countryside Partnership
(MVCP)
Bio Control for
Knotweed and
Water Fern
2015 - Project Update
Medway Valley Countryside Partnership continue to control, monitor
and raise awareness of Giant Hogweed across the catchment.
We have been leading on this project for over 10 years and our work
is paying off. Giant hogweed abundance does wax and wane (with
some apparent increases this year on the Medway) but overall we are
seeing a considerable reduction in the long term and, with more
landowners aware of and part of the scheme, we are confident of an

Advice for Land-
ongoing reduction — dare we say eventual elimination?!
managers
Pending suitable funding, work will continue in 2016 to investigate

Gunnera in the
Medway
and control and we thank you in advance for your ongoing and
vital assistance and co-operation.
Catchment?
In addition to Giant hogweed, here is what else the project is

NNSS Workshop
currently doing:

Biosecurity

Carrying out Himalayan balsam removal
with volunteers

Wildlife Crime

Continuing to control and reduce Floating
pennywort and riparian Japanese knotweed

Controlling water fern with a bio-control
method (see page 5)

Assisting CABI with a Japanese knotweed
bio-control trial (see page 4)
3 Lock Cottages, Lock Lane

Raising awareness (see page 3)
Sandling, Kent

Bridging involvement gaps and extending
co-operation across the catchment

Supporting colleagues and local authority
to establish a method for invasive plant control enforcement
Alert
Contact Information:
MVCP
ME14 3AU
03000 414795
(Above:
Floating pennywort on
the Medway in 2011
@ MVCP)
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R e m e m b e r i t ’s D a n g e r o u s Giant Hogweed in the News
A spate of injuries across the UK this summer resulted in a host of headlines about this
dangerous plant. Several children suffered injuries in Boston in Lancashire this year and a
young girl was also injured in Scotland after hand picking plants.
The sap of Giant hogweed contains toxic chemicals known as furanocoumarins. When these
come into contact with the skin, and in the presence of sunlight, they cause a condition
called phyto-photodermatitis: a reddening of the skin, often followed by severe burns and
blistering. The burns can last for several months and even once they have died down the
skin can remain sensitive to light for many years (© GBNNSS)
MVCP were approached and have given
interviews to Kent Messenger and Kent and
Sussex Courier this year and, with assistance
from the Medway River Users Association,
we gave an interview to ITV Meridian about
our work.
To see that TV article go to our website
(www.medwayvalley.org) or search via ITV
Meridian.
MVCP have more awareness raising events
coming soon.
(Above: Giant hogweed article from 14th July
2015 © The Sun
Right: Image from the ITV Meridian interview
with reporter Abigail Bracken (left) and Andrea
from MVCP (right) © ITV Meridian)
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Tu e s d a y 1 5 t h D e c e m b e r
I n v a s i v e N o n - N a t i v e S p e c i e s Wo r k s h o p
An opportunity to learn from and network with experts in the field of Invasive Species.
Hosted at a lovely venue near Maidstone, with buffet lunch and refreshments included,
this event will include informative presentations given by key speakers. Topics include


Ecology and I.D of UK Problem Flora and Fauna
The GB Strategy inc’ Prevention, Early Detection, Monitoring and Rapid Response

Bio-Control Options and Research

The Importance of Biosecurity

Collaborative working
This event is essential for anyone wanting more information about INNS for academic
study or professional development. Professionals will benefit from the networking
opportunities which this event will offer.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL - BOOK NOW VIA EVENTBRITE:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/invasive-non-native-species-tickets18498939827
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Japanese knotweed Bio-Control
Tr i a l i n K e n t
Natural (or biological) control, is the use of living organisms to control pest populations.
Most non-native species arrive without any of their natural enemies that keep them in
check in their native range. In the case of plants almost all the insects, fungal pathogens or
nematodes that would normally inflict damage on the plant are lost, giving the plant an
unfair advantage over its new native neighbours. Natural control is a means of levelling
the playing-field by re-introducing some of the specialist natural enemies that exert
control in a species native range (© CABI)
CABI have done extensive research on
the potential vectors for biological
control of Japanese knotweed and
identified the sap sucking Psyllid
Aphalara itadori (Right © CABI)
In 2010 the agent A. itadori was licenced for release under
strict conditions. The stands of knotweed were monitored regularly from 2010 to 2014 and
no untoward impacts of the psyllid were observed or detected. CABI have now been
granted a new licence by Defra and are now both increasing the number of release sites
and using different more suitable knotweed stands.
The use of self-replicating and co-evolved natural enemies for the long-term management
of invasive non-native species is a sustainable control solution. Once established an
effective agent provides control indefinitely without further cost or intervention.
As such, through help to identify a suitable site with
pro-active landowners and assisting with surveying,
MVCP have helped CABI to bring the bio -control trail
for Japanese knotweed into Kent. A suitable site in
West Kent was identified and Psyllids released in
June. Monitoring of the site continues regularly and
we’ll keep you updated on this and the national
project overall.
(Above: Releasing the tiny Psyllids © MVCP)
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Beult Bio-Control We e v i l s D o i n g t h e Wo r k !
Water fern (Azolla filiculoides) is a very invasive non-native aquatic plant from North
America which can blanket slow flowing or still systems, block out light, trap submerged air
breathing organisms and reduce oxygen levels in the water. It’s a problem species and one
which needs controlling in the UK, and it has been known to periodically occur on our local
River Beult. (Below: Water Fern on the Beult © MVCP)
Research by CABI has found that the tiny 2mm long
North American weevil (Stenopelmus rufinasus) is one
of water ferns main natural enemies.
The weevil has already been used to control the weed very
successfully in South Africa where even the heaviest infestations
have been brought under control within a matter of months,
without the need for chemicals or further control measures
(Left: North American Weevil © CABI)
Working in partnership with CABI and with Natural England
support, MVCP have released a small quantity of these
weevils at a site on the Beult to control a recent bloom of
water fern
Bio-control of this sort is a sustainable answer for long term
invasive species control. The weevils can only feed on and
consume large quantities of water fern plus the weevil was
already present in parts of the UK (first recorded in 1921).
We’ll keep you up to date on this work and other bio -control
options in the future.
(Above: MVCP releasing weevils on
site © MVCP)
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Landowner Contributions Prompt Payment Request
The financial contributions landowners make to MVCP as part of this project are vital. We
have project funding from the Environment Agency, Maidstone Borough Council, Tonbridge
and Malling Borough Council and Yalding Parish Council (and also Bexley Council
specifically for the River Cray).
The staff time to co-ordinate the project,
raise awareness, apply for future funds,
analyse survey data and supervise, assist with
and contract chemical control is covered by
this project funding.
MVCP is a not for profit organisation with any
unallocated monies supporting our core funding, allowing us to deliver conservation and
INNS work across west Kent giving landowners
outstanding value for money.
(Above: Balsam removal © MVCP)
By law Invasive Species Control always remains the responsibility of the landowner but
MVCP’s project is an effective, easy and cost effective way for landowners to meet their
responsibilities. In turn MVCP can ensure essential catchment wide coverage.
Due to issues in recent years, we would like to ask relevant landowners to please pay
promptly once they receive their invoice from Kent County Council.
As highlighted in the consent forms we send to and are signed by landowners; KCC invoices
are usually dispatched via a generic KCC e -mail called Kent County Council Invoices.
Invoices state ‘Immediate’ Payment Terms. Please pay promptly as MVCP/KCC are Public
rather than Private Sector. Prompt payment also reduces confusion as we plan for the 2016
season. Invoices will be sent to you in the next month or so . Please look out for it in your
email in-box (if applicable) and please contact us if you are not sure if you’ve received it.
Thank you for your co-operation.
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We e d C o n t r o l - C r o s s C o m p l i a n c e
Guidance for Land-managers
MVCP have been contacted several times recently from advice seeking farmers who have
lost some of their farm subsidy payments due to the presence of Invasive Non -Native
plants. As such we wanted to highlight the
Guidance for Cross Compliance in England:
Management of Habitats and Landscape
Features.
(Right: Book front cover © Rural Payments Agency)
As highlighted in this guidance, the control of
unwanted and invasive non-native weeds is
necessary as these weeds can cause severe
agricultural problems for you and your neighbours. Invasive non-native weeds can also
threaten the survival of many UK native
species and can have a negative impact on
some important and vulnerable ecosystems
(© Rural Payments Agency)
To comply with this guidance, make sure that you control injurious and invasive non-native
weeds when they appear on your farm to prevent any seed or viable material from spreading to neighbouring land. Failure to do so may lead to prosecution under the Weeds Act
1959 in the case of injurious weeds or under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in the
case of invasive non-native weeds (© Rural Payments Agency)
MVCP’s understanding, following discussion with Natural England, is that even if plants are
observable at the time of any inspection, if you can provide evidence of control attempts
then you should be in compliance with the guidance. As such keep a record of any balsam
pulling activities or other control works undertaken and if you are a supporter of the MVCP
scheme, show the agreement as proof of control efforts. If in doubt however and for more
guidance please speak to the Rural Payments Agency:
03000 200 301 or e-mail: [email protected]
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Gunnera in the
Medway Catchment?
Part of our Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) work includes looking out for and
responding rapidly to future catchment threats.
MVCP recently received and confirmed a report of a large amount of Giant Rhubarb
(Gunnera) on Ditton Stream and we are now wondering how much Gunnera is in the
catchment. Gunnera is a large, clump -forming perennial with massive umbrella -sized leaves
and stems up to 2m tall. It is often confused with Giant Hogweed due to the size of the
leaves but the leaves themselves look quite different with the leaves of Giant Hogweed
being much more divided and sharply serrated than the rounder leaves of Gunnera. The
flowers are different too with the flowers of Gunnera being more dock-like, in tall spikes.
(Below: Gunnera tinctoria © RPS group Plc)
Once established Giant Rhubarbs
can be very invasive and form dense
colonies, suppressing native plants
as the large leaves prevent other
plants growing underneath them.
They can also impede water flow
through the obstruction of drainage
in
adjacent
streams
and
rivers
particularly when water levels are
high (© GBNNSS)
As such, MVCP want to learn more about the abundance and distribution of Gunnera in the
catchment, in order to ascertain current risk. Gunnera grows in damp grassland and damp
shaded woodland areas and near water -bodies. If you know of any locations of Gunnera in
the Medway Catchment, especially locations close to a river or stream, please let us know.
Photographs and Grid References would be greatly appreciated if you’re able to assist in
this way.
Please contact Andrea on 03000 414795 or via emailing [email protected]
Thank you.
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2015 Invasive Species
L o c a l A c t i o n G r o u p Wo r k s h o p
(Above: Staff at the NNSS INNS Workshop at Preston Montford © GBNNSS)
Since 2010 the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat (GBNNSS) has organised an annual workshop for Local Action Groups (LAGs). This workshop brings together LAG volunteers and
staff from across GB to exchange best practice and discuss common issues. It also provides
an opportunity for the NNSS, and other invited speakers, to update LAGs on national level
initiatives that may be of interest, relevant changes in legislation and provides a forum for
LAGs to communicate directly with higher -level decision makers (© GBNNSS). In January this
year MVCP joined in with this event once again and spent two days discussing various
topics such as plant control, biosecurity, funding and the overall GB strategy for INNS.
We also gave a presentation on our work from the previous year.
Many of the presentations and additional information from this professional event are
available online at: www.nonnativespecies.org
9
Biosecurity is Important
Remember to Check-Clean-Dry!
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Wildlife Crime ALERT!
We appreciate it’s not INNS related but we wanted to share
some
important
information
with
you
about
another
conservation issue…
‘Kent Police has a dedicated team of specialist officers who
work within the Rural Task Force, which combines both the
Rural Liaison Team and the Gypsy Liaison Team.
They have received specialist training and work with a number
of agencies on joint operations tackling both rural criminality
and anti-social behaviour.
They are trained to deal with
wildlife, environmental and heritage crime. Agencies they work
with include the RSPCA, Natural England, Trading Standards and the Environment Agency.
The Rural Task Force also provides specialist expertise to other police units across the
county, particularly officers working in mainly rural parishes.
(Above: Bee orchid © MVCP
Below: Badger © MVCP )
The Rural Liaison Team recently received
information that an illegal competition is
being
held
between
1/9/2015
and
31/12/2015 to see how many wild animals
can be killed!
We do not tolerate this kind of senseless
activity and would encourage anyone with
information to report this to
Kent Police on 101 and ask that the
information is sent to your local
Rural Liaison Team Officer’
Thank you - (Marc Pennicott PC)
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Project Funding
This project is funded by the Environment Agency, Maidstone Borough Council, Tonbridge
and Malling Borough Council, Yalding Parish Council and via landowner contributions.
For the river Cray locations the project is supported with additional funding from Bexley
Council. The project has connections with and support from Natural England, Defra, CABI,
local landowners and local groups such as the Medway River Users Association.
Many thanks to all of the project core funders and those who offer in -kind support.
YALDING
PARISH
COUNCIL
Tr a i n i n g , A w a r e n e s s R a i s i n g a n d Vo l u n t e e r i n g
Each year, MVCP raise awareness of INNS issues. In May this year we delivered a training
event for local landowners, volunteers and professional peers. Like similar days from
previous years the event was fully booked and we had great feedback.
If you would like information about INNS training for
you and your colleagues or contacts or if you’d like to
discuss volunteering for the project, then please do get
in touch. MVCP can provide ad hoc training events for
professional peers or local interest groups. This may be
a full days’ training or a simple presentation.
Please contact us to discuss.
(Left: Attendees at the May INNS workshop © MVCP).
Contact Details
Andrea Griffiths BSc / Medway Valley Countryside Partnership
3 Lock Cottages, Lock Lane, Sandling, Kent, ME14 3AU
03000 414795 (Andrea Griffiths Direct Line) or 03000 422997
[email protected]
Follow us on Facebook and/or Twitter. www.medwayvalley.org
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