Environmental Control

Without regular control measures in place, invasive weeds, both on land and water will change and deplete the habitat’s natural resources, creating difficulties for natural wildlife and livestock as well as depleting native species. We can help you take control whilst limiting harm to natural ecosystems.

Climate change

The latest evidence on climate change suggests that there will be a rise in invasive species. Climate change can create conditions and pathways for invasive species in many ways. Condition changes lead to new dominants that may have invasive tendencies.

As temperatures or water levels change, native species may struggle to compete. Human and animal migration can result in the increased spread and introduction of new invasive species, and human movement of INNS has resulted in environmental, social, and economic damage to biodiversity – which supports the vital benefits humans get from the natural environment. At Environment Controls we ensure that any projects carried out work closely with the organisations involved to ensure that where operations may pose a risk regarding the introduction or spread of INNS we have implemented protocols and procedures to mitigate that risk.

biosecurity – preventing spread

Anyone interacting or working with the environment will be at risk of unintentionally spreading INNS, and could lead to issues with biodiversity. Bio-security measures can simply mean employing hygiene practices such as cleaning kit and equipment before and after going onsite. However, a full plan should meet the needs of the environment and ultimately provide workable and effective solutions to control the spread of INNS within a given site or multiple sites. When working onsite we have strict measures that we adhere to at all times. It is important to consider potential pathways of introductions onto the site from elsewhere, and therefore our mitigation procedures to prevent this include:

access to the areas of contamination are kept to a minimum
a fence (if required) is erected to mark out the area of issue
signs are erected to warn people working there that the area is infested or contaminated
where contaminated soil, materials or water are located, warning signage are erected
personnel working on or between sites ensure their clothing and footwear are cleaned where appropriate to prevent spread, clean soil and plant debris from outdoor footwear and vehicles
we ensure that all tools, machinery and other equipment brought onto site or multiple sites is clean and free from fragments of weed material and/or rhizome
if practical we do not take vehicles onto premises, we keep to established tracks and park vehicles on hard standing where viable

Reducing impact

We have come to realise that making good the harm that can be done during treatments is equally vital for sustainable land and eco-system management. With careful consideration to the natural habitat in which we work, environmental impact can not only be reduced – but reversed! Adopting an alternative approach we can rejuvenate land with wildflower meadow verges which reduces cyclical mowing. Planting hedgerows or creating natural barriers helps to control spread of invasive species whilst increasing natural habitats. Using living species to control invasive or aquatic weeds will become more prevalent, and more important.

Environmental safety

Protecting the environment is always considered when we plan each treatment programme. We do this to respect the ecosystems in which we’re working. There is a substantial amount of legislation concerned with the use of herbicides. Examples include the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH) 1988 and the Code of Practice for Using Plant Protection Products 2006. The control of herbicide regulations can be found within the Food and Environment Protection Act (FEPA) 1985. It is also a requirement that any intention to apply herbicide within 5-10 metres of a watercourse must not be carried out until written confirmation has been received from the Environment Agency. We undertake and obtain E.A. licenses to apply herbicide on or near water where required. The application of any herbicides should be carried out in accordance to a BASIS guarantee and by persons with a recognised National Proficiency Test Council (NPTC) Certificate of Competence. This ensures the right herbicides are used and applied correctly. All our staff have the appropriate training and certification and conform to current legislation.

TARGET WEEDS

With over 200 identified species in the UK causing issues to homeowners, landowners, authorities, environmental agencies and businesses, here we list the most common varieties, and the most harmful to humans, wildlife and livestock.

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