River South Esk Catchment Area – Control of Invasive Non Native Species (INNS)

Eradication of two invasive non native species, Japanese knotweed and Giant Hogweed from the catchment area of the River South Esk. INNS are the second greatest threat to bio-diversity being capable of rapidly colonising a wide range of habitats and excluding the native flora and fauna. INNS has contributed to 40% of the animal extinctions where the cause of extinction is known. The problems caused by invasive weeds on the South Esk include, loss of biodiversity due to areas of monoculture created leading to dysfunctional ecosystems, loss of indigenous species, reduced access to river banks and riverside pathways due to health & safety issues and instability of river banks leading to increased silt and nutriet input.