From Legendary Plant to Garden Terror
Bamboo is beautiful, but it can quickly become a garden terror. Learn how to stop its spread and protect your property with expert advice on bamboo encroachment and removal.
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invasive species week 15-21 May 2023
What is Invasive Species Week?
Each year organisations across the UK, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man work together to raise awareness of the impacts of invasive non-native species and the simple things that everyone can do to help protect the environment.
For us it’s a week of focus, information sharing and suggestions for actions that we can all take to protect our native species.
Why this matters
Invasive species are the biggest threat to biodiversity we currently have, and it’s a global issue. Here in the UK there are over 200 known Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) either deliberately or accidentally introduced to our landscape, and without our control they will continue to out-compete our native species.
Invasive Species Week aims to not only highlight the impact this has on our planet, but offer some ideas that everyone can do to help. Each day we focus on a different aspect of invasive species, packed full of information, pictures and facts that we hope you will find interesting.
Get involved and make a difference
Below are links that will take you to the NNSS website where you can find lots of ways to get involved:
- Share Be Plant Wise materials with your family and friends, or even a local garden centre to encourage gardeners to dispose of plants responsibly and avoid them spreading into the wild.
- Arrange a Check Clean Dry demonstration at your angling / paddling / sailing club to show how easy it is to keep your kit free of invasive species.
- Run a volunteering day to remove non-native plants (balsam bashing for example!)
- Livestream or video a survey to show which non-native species are likely to be seen on a walk.
- Contact local media to raise awareness of invasive non-native species and your work.
Monday 15th
the weird and the (not so) wonderful
We take a closer look at some of the more unusual characteristics of invasive species in the UK. From colour changing water weeds, to tree patrolling caterpillars, to smelling like a skunk – discover some interesting facts.
Tuesday 16th
Invasive species mythbusters: Debunking common Misconceptions
Which invasive species makes a nice crumble and which one will kill you? Which species cannot be killed? Can knotweed break through concrete? We unwrap some common myths.
Wednesday 17th
Species Identification challenge
Can you name these invasive species? There may also be a few aquatic weeds thrown in for good measure – see how many you can correctly identify.
Thursday 18th
The Connection Between Invasive Species and Climate Change
As species adapt to climate change – hotter, colder and wetter seasons, we look at how the INNS control industry must adapt our practices before the invasives take over.
Friday 19th
isw roundup
We end the week on a lighthearted note with clips, photos and anecdotes from our teams, including our Director’s favourite species.
