Awareness of Terrestrial and Aquatic Invasive Non-Native Species

Alex Brook Senior Contracts Manager at Ebsford Environmental presented a lunchtime CPD session to Southern Testing on the importance of awareness of terrestrial and aquatic Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) during our Ground Investigations.

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It is estimated that there are currently 2,000 Non-Native Species in the UK, however, every year 10 new species are established as non-native. Approximately 15% have been classified as INNS. The cost of treating/dealing/managing with such species is estimated to be approximately £1.8 billion (including loss revenue). UK legislation, developed over the past 10 years requires these INNS to be treated (The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, amended 2010; The Infrastructure Act 2015 – Species control orders 12th Feb 2015; Environmental Protection Act 1990; and Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014).

Such terrestrial INNS species includes Japanese Knotweed in its many forms – common form of Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica); Giant Knotweed (Fallopia Sachalinensis), dwarf variety (Fallopia Japonica Compacta) and a hybrid (Fallopia Bohemica); Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens Glandulifera); Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum); and Non-native species like Rhododendron (ponticum Rhododendron and Rhododendron luteum) and Crocosmia Montbretia.

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Non-native species are identified because they have no natural enemies or predators, limiting their growth/coverage and potential for a high level of invasiveness. These types of species can either be fast growth, asexual or rapid reproduce, the ability to live off of many different food types and sources, tolerance of a wide range of environmental conditions, and an association with humans. This can have a detrimental effect on the environments that they are found in.

Ebsford Environmental also introduced the presence of INNS in aquatic environments too. Such INNS include Water Primrose (Ludwigia grandiflora); New Zealand Pygmyweed (Crassula helmsii); Waterweeds/Pondweeds (Elodea callitrichoides, Elodia canadensis, Elodia Nuttallii); Parrot’s-Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum); and Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides).

Ebsford Environmental prides themselves on the use, where possible of small, low impact machinery to provide a sustainable solutions using locally sourced materials whilst minimising economic risk to clients.

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