Spotlight on Invasive Plant Species

The Nith DSFB started mapping the presence of the "big three" - Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, and Himalayan Balsam - earlier in the summer after getting funding from the Nithsdale Area Committee and SNH .

Maps showing the spread and extent of each species from north to south of the Nith catchment have now been produced by the D&G ERC (Environmental Record Centre). The mapping has been of waterside plants only at present, as this is considered one of the biggest problem areas.
Contact Clair McFarlan at Solway Heritage who is co-ordinating this project for more details on 01387 247543.

Japanese Knotweed

Himalayan Balsam

The plants are found growing on river banks and are easily recognisable. 

The Salmon Board & SEPA have produced a leaflet to raise awareness of the problems with these species in the catchment, which includes . . .

• how to treat the individual plants,
• what NOT to do with them, and
• contact details of SEPA Dumfries for spraying near water and disposal.

The Nith Catchment Management Plan Officer is arranging an official launch for the project and leaflet at some time in the immediate future. More information will be available soon,

The leaflets haven’t been distributed yet, but you can contact Anne Connick if you want to receive one when they are out.

The next step is to agree a strategy to tackle each species

For more information, contact

Anne Connick
Catchment Management Planning Officer
SEPA
Penkiln Bridge Court
Newton Stewart
DG8 0EF

Phone - 01671 402618 (Internal ext 2906)

E-mail :- anne.connick@sepa.org.uk

As this is a Catchment Management Plan project, which came directly from the Nith Steering Group - and an issue which effects or concerns many of us, all anglers and angling bodies are being urged to support the launch of the project.

The date and venue will be fixed shortly. Invitations will be sent to all relevant persons and organisations.