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Conservation
The Tyne Rivers Trust has been mapping the spread of invasive plants since 2008. We are currently concentrating on those species that spread using water courses as a vector and those that are a direct threat to river structures, bank stability and riparian biodiversity. To learn more about the threats of invasive non-native species please follow the link.
Japanese Knotweed
The removal of Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) when using herbicides beside river courses requires very careful attention so as not to contaminate the river bank or water. Tyne Rivers Trust have chosen the stem injection method after considerable consideration of all available methods for several reasons. Injecting herbicide directly into the plant stems ensures that the whole dose is delivered to the rhizome effect maximum affect. The plant is not cut so no live material is available to be transported anywhere else to take root. The herbicide is contained naturally within the rhizome removing the risk of sprayed or painted-on herbicide affecting other plants or the water course.
This is a reasonably labour intensive method but very specific and ideal for small areas of Japanese knotweed which directly threaten river structures such as at Corbridge where the Corbridge River Watch group have been working.
Himalayan Balsam
Upstream limits for Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) have been established for the South Tyne, West and East Allens as well as the North Tyne. These are the areas that the project officer and volunteers are concentrating on for removal by hand. Additionally River Watch groups have taken on to keep their stretches of river bank clear. A labour intensive and time-consuming task. Progress is mapped using our GIS
This is all good and important work but the Tyne (and all infected river systems) need a strategic and joined up approach involving land owners, land managers, councils and river users. A change in the legislation towards more robust requirements would make a huge difference.
