River Holme Japanese Knotweed Eradication Programme

Invasive species pose a risk to ecosystems, causing natural habitat to be lost and increase flooding and erosion. The Kirklees BAP outlines 20 species at risk whose survival is dependent on rivers and wetlands (Kirklees is the local authority in which the project is located). Our ultimate plan is to rid the entire Holme catchment of invasive plant species (namely Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam) by 2025. The River Holme presents much scope for biodiversity improvements, but this can only occur successfully if the spread of invasive species is controlled.

Our strategy for knotweed control is unique. It differs from other areas where treatment only occurs when the land owner is suitably aware or wealthy enough to pay for expensive control measures. This does not solve the problem of knotweed spread and the devastating impact it has on local ecosystems and the built environment because not all land is treated.