Over the years, various plants from around the world have been introduced to Scotland; either as a curiosity for populating botanical gardens or accidentally when importing goods. Most of these plants do not survive well in Scotland, but unfortunately a few do colonise and become invasive, then known as Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS). INNS are not restricted to plant species and are classified as plant, animal or fungus.
In areas where INNS colonise, negative impacts range from damaged ecosystems, reduced biodiversity, disruption to human activities, risk to human health and negative economic impacts.
Galloway Fisheries Trust (GFT) has been treating INNS along the riverbanks throughout Dumfries and Galloway with the help of various funders for a number of years. Key target species have been Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), Himalayan Balsam (Impatients glandulifera) and American Skunk Cabbage (Lysichiton americanus).
With the support of the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot, GFT is now delivering ‘Scottish Solway INNS Control and Knowledge Programme (Phase 1)’; an ambitious programme set to protect the natural heritage in Dumfries and Galloway from the spread of INNS. This project started in 2022 and is supported by a full time Project Officer. The phase 1 programme is a pilot study which aims to develop into a longer phase 2 project. The pilot project will help inform the development of the phase 2 work programme.
The project aims to work closely with stakeholders and local communities to deliver a co-ordinated and prioritised long term INNS control programme across Dumfries and Galloway. Phase 1 has focused on nine river catchments to protect designated and sensitive sites, focusing on the priority INNS species Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and American Skunk Cabbage. The project started implementing key actions in the Biosecurity Plan for the Kircudbrightshire Dee, helping to prevent the spread of signal crayfish and other aquatic INNS.
This project covers INNS in identified priority areas along rivers and tributaries. If you require assistance with controlling INNS in other areas locally then GFT may still be able to help but not under this specific project. For these areas please email dan@gallowayfisheriestrust.org to discuss.
INNS control is one of the key drivers of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, which aims to help improve biodiversity, make habitats more resilient to climate change and clear areas for riparian tree planting, protecting rivers from ever-increasing temperatures.
Areas where Project Officer has started control and started implementating a strategic management plan are:
Further details of some of these INNS control programmes are provided on Story Maps below:
Japanese knotweed project on the Water of Fleet https://arcg.is/0vnSvG
Giant hogweed on the lower Urr https://arcg.is/1fDXL82
American skunk cabbage on the Bladnoch https://arcg.is/1CnOCT0
Tracy (Project Officer) is keen to get help from interested volunteers.
To get in touch with her to organise volunteer opportunities or to find out more about the project please email tracy@gallowayfisheriestrust.org
The present project funding runs until 31st March 2024 and funding is presently being sought to continue the project into phase 2.
GFT has been successful in securing funding from the FIRNS scheme to develop a large-scale habitat restoration project for the River Annan catchment.
SEPA have been undertaking a review of the current CAR license which the Galloway Hydro Scheme operates under.
On Saturday 26th August we held our annual Kirkcowan Fishing Competition. 35 adults and 12 juniors entered the competition this year, providing a fund of £211 that is put back into the event via prizes and a buffet.