Plant Positive Action on Non-Native Invasive Flora is a project which aims to map and control/eradicate invasive non-native plants in two key river catchments on the Isle of Wight; the Medina and Eastern Yar. The Project is coordinated by Natural Enterprise. Species being tackled by the project include Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and Creeping Water Primrose.The Project is a partnership of a number of organizations including the Environment Agency, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, RSPB, National Trust, The Footprint Trust, Wight AONB, Isle of Wight Council, Natural Enterprise, CLA and NFU. They provide form a forum for non-native invasive plant management, and are working to establish a longer-term co-ordinated approach for the whole Island.
The main aims of the project are to:
- Control/eradicate the three key species from the Medina and E. Yar. Natural Enterprise, with support from the Environment Agency, will be working with riparian landowners, volunteers and where necessary professional contractors to achieve this.
- Raise awareness of non-native invasive plants (including Parrots feather, Crassula and Giant hogweed) among landowners, local communities, angling groups as well as those involved in the sale of aquatic plants.
Natural Enterprise will also help to map non-native invasive plant species around the Island, acting as a hub for reported sightings and passing records on to the Local Records Centre.
Anyone wishing to become involved in the project should contact carol.flux@naturalenterprise.co.uk
Link to information on the Plant Positive project.
Link to information on the Plant Positive project.