Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network ... - Sustrans

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13. Controlling native and non-native invasive species 13.1 Native species 13.1.1 Bramble Rubus fruticosus It is very important to have patches of bramble along routes as they provide nesting habitat for birds, food in the form of nectar for butterflies and insects, as well as shelter and food for a variety of mammal species including the dormouse. If left unchecked, bramble will start to dominate an area and shade out other species, so it is important that it is kept under control. Bramble should be cut back to the point at which it is considered acceptable and appropriate and this location marked with posts or natural features – logs, rocks etc. The plant should then be cut back to the same point every year in the late autumn, after the fruiting season, making sure that any suckers are cut off or pulled up. 13.1.2 Common Ragwort Senecio jacobaea There are a number of species of ragwort found in Britain, although the main ‘weed’ species is the common ragwort. This is often found growing on bare soil which allows the development of the seedlings into rosettes of leaves. The following year the flowering shoot appears that can grow amongst taller vegetation. Ragwort is covered by the Weeds Act 1959 as amended by the Ragwort Control Act 2003. This Act only extends to England and Wales. It should be remembered that ragwort provides an important food source for a large variety of insects including bees, wasps, butterflies and moths. For this reason, ragwort should only be controlled in areas where toxicity is perceived as a high risk. This may include areas of the Network that run adjacent to land grazed by horses or hay fields used for horse fodder. If there are only a few plants in an area then hand pulling is the easiest method in the short term. Gloves should be worn and the pulling should only take place before the plant sets seed. Once pulled the plant can be burnt. It should not be left on the side of the path as the plant becomes more palatable to horses when dried. Herbicides should be used where ragwort occurs in larger densities. Cutting is not recommended, as it seems to stimulate side growth and encourages re-growth. 13.2 Non-native species 13.2.1 Non-native plants occur outside their natural range due to direct or indirect introduction by humans, mainly through their use in gardens. The vast majority of non-native species pose no threat to native plants in the UK and many now represent important additions to the UK flora. However, a small number of non-native plants are highly invasive. Invasive plants are able to spread rapidly and compete aggressively with native species to form large populations that dominate a habitat. 13.2.2 Where possible, Sustrans will control invasive species along the Network, so improving the biodiversity. It will be a material consideration on any new routes. Sustrans’ Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network (December 2007) 38
13.3 Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica 13.3.1 Identification Japanese knotweed is a vigorous perennial plant that can grow in excess of 2 metres in height and is commonly seen on riverbanks and waste ground. When Japanese knotweed colonises areas, the plant forms dense thickets that die back to dead, rigid stems in the winter, only to re-grow more vigorously the following growing season. It has distinctive heart-shaped leaves, and the stems are covered in a reddish/purple speckling. It produces creamy white flowers from July through to September. Stems are hollow and can take up to 3 years to decompose. 13.3.2 Legislation Japanese knotweed has a number of closely related sub species which also form hybrids, all of which come under the provisions of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) which states that “It is an offence to plant or otherwise cause the plant to grow in the wild.” Furthermore the Environmental Protection Act (1990) classes Japanese knotweed as ‘controlled waste’ and consequently should be disposed of at a licensed landfill site under the EPA (Duty of Care) Regulations (1991). 13.3.3 Distribution along Network Japanese knotweed can be encountered anywhere along the Network but is particularly prevalent in Wales. 13.3.4 Treatment There are various approaches used to control Japanese knotweed. Primarily these comprise spraying and cutting, or a combination of both. Where appropriate, grazing may also be a management option. Another alternative is covering the Japanese knotweed with a membrane and over-planting with a quick-growing species such as willow. Cutting or pulling Regular cutting or pulling will eventually kill the plant, but it is important that all cut or pulled stems are kept on site, or disposed of at a licensed disposal site (expensive). Any stems or crowns left to dry out on site must be regularly checked to ensure that they are not contaminating the surrounding land or any watercourses. Burning can also be an effective means of disposal, as long as it is burnt in situ and not taken off site. Herbicide control Herbicide control is an effective means of controlling Japanese knotweed, although it should be noted that one treatment is rarely enough and may need to be repeated a number of times over several years. There are a number of herbicides recognised as being effective in the control of knotweed, but not all of these are suitable for use adjacent to or close to watercourses or sensitive sites. The table on page 40 shows examples of approved products for use as herbicides on weeds in or near water. This should be checked before using any of these products as this information changes regularly. Sustrans’ Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network (December 2007) 39
Page 1 and 2: Biodiversity Action Plan for the Na
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS Executive Summary 6 1. Int
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Page 7 and 8: 1. Introduction to biodiversity in
Page 9 and 10: Project National Cycle Network Safe
Page 11 and 12: 2.3.5 Map of National Cycle Network
Page 13 and 14: On-going key action plan items and
Page 15 and 16: Association, the British Horse Soci
Page 17 and 18: 7. Links with Local Biodiversity Ac
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Page 21 and 22: grasses such as tor grass Brachypod
Page 23 and 24: Contribute to the implementation of
Page 25 and 26: Where planting is required in hedge
Page 27 and 28: 10.3 Badger Meles meles 10.3.1 Desc
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Page 37: 12.6.2 Some bat species rely exclus
Page 41 and 42: seed. Young plants are easy to pull
Page 43 and 44: 14. Education and understanding 14.
Page 45 and 46: 16. Glossary HAP Habitat Action Pla
Page 47 and 48: Cumbria LA7 7NH Tel: 01539 567953 w
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Page 51 and 52: © David Hall © Toby Smedley Visit
Page 53: Appendix 2 - Phase 1 and 2 habitat

Biodiversity Action Plan for the National Cycle Network ... - Sustrans

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