Bio-security Statement Field to the North of Ysgol Bro Hyddgen / Gasworks lane access route Machynlleth, Powys Powys County Council Ref: Vital-ysgol-field-Bio-27-08-2020

27/08/2020

Author: Scott Roe BSc (Hons), ACIEEM, AMRSB

Signed Date 27/08/2020

Vital Ecology Unit 1 Dyfi Eco Park, Powys, Machynlleth, SY20 8JB

01654 701 499 / 07805 618 595 [email protected] / www.itsvital.co.uk Contents

1.Introduction 1.1. Background 1.2. Aims and methodology 1.3Information about GB Non-native Species Risk Assessments 1.4 Risk assessments process 1.5 Context 1.6. Site overview 1.7. Proposed development, project or action 1.8. Disclaimer

2. Legislation and planning context

3. Invasive Species: Identification and control methods 3.1 Identification of Invasive Species 3.2 How Invasive plants spread and control methods: DEFRA 3.3 Japanese Knotweed 3.4 Giant Hogweed 3.5. Himalayan Balsam 3.6 Cotoneaster

4.Method statement, good practise and further advice 4.1. Method statement: Overview 4.2. Treatment methods and contamination avoidance 4.3 Japanese Knotweed 4.3. Himilayan Balsam 4.4. Giant Hogweed 4.5 Cotoneaster

5.Bio-security risk assessments, eradication and control 5.1. Bio-security / Invasive species risk assessment table (Table 1) 5.2. Himalayan Balsam treatment times table (Table 2) 5.3. Himalayan Balsam eradication and control table (Table 3) 5.4 Equipment and machinery hygiene

6. References

7. Appendices Appendix 1.NNSS data sheet: Cotoneaster data sheet Appendix 2:NNSS data sheet: Giant Hogweed data sheet Appendix 3: NNSS data sheet: Himalayan Balsam data sheet Appendix 4: NNSS data sheet: Japanese Knotweed data sheet Appendix 5: Centre for Ecology and Hydrology: Giant Hogweed data sheet Appendix 6: Centre for aquatic plant management: Japanese Knotweed data sheet Appendix 7: Extended phase 1 habitat survey: Invasive plant species map Field to North of Ysgol Bro Hyddgen / Gasworks lane access route

1. Background / Aims and methodology 1.1. Background This bio-security statement was commissioned by Powys County Council and was compiled by Scott Roe BSc (Hons), ACIEEM, AMRSB.

Vital Ecology previously conducted an extended phase 1 habitat survey (Ref: Vital-WLGL-EP1-17-08-2020) which partially informs this assessment in terms of the presence of invasive species on the site. The presence of any invasive species found on a site is one component of the assessment and the potential for invasive species to be transported to a site often forms a greater part of the potential risk. The non-native, invasive species, Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam) has been found to be abundant along the northern boundary of the field to the north of the site.

1.2. Aims and methodology The aim of this method statement is: a) To provide precautionary methods of working in relation to the disturbance or introduction of invasive species b) To provide precautionary methods of working in relation to the spread or introduction of harmful organisms or diseases.

The primary method for minimising the spread of invasive plants or organisms should be to avoid introducing them in the first instance. If invasive plants are recorded, appropriate control measures will be implemented to eradicate them from the site.

Information about GB Non-native Species Risk Assessments The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) emphasises the need for a precautionary approach towards non- native species where there is often a lack of firm scientific evidence. It also strongly promotes the use of good quality risk assessment to help underpin this approach. The GB risk analysis mechanism has been developed to help facilitate such an approach in Great Britain. It complies with the CBD and reflects standards used by other schemes such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, European Plant Protection Organisation and European Food Safety Authority to ensure good practice. Risk assessments, along with other information, are used to help support decision making in Great Britain. They do not in themselves determine government policy.

Risk assessment as found in Table 1 have applied the following process: Risks are assessed based upon advice and guidance from ‘GB Non-native Species Secretariat’, alongside any findings from on-ground surveys and known presence of invasive species on the site in question. The following ratings have been applied based upon the best available knowledge:

Severity of Impact 1 Minimal, 2 Minor, 3 Moderate, 4 Major 5, Massive

Likelihood of Impact 1Highly Unlikely, 2 Unlikely, 3 Possible, 4 Likely, 5 Highly Likely

The severity score is then multiplied by the likelihood of impact score and this gives us an approximation of the risk factor. Risk factor outcomes are to some extent generalised and must be considered within best practise frameworks and legislation. As a rule of thumb the following risk factor outcomes can be viewed as;

Risk Factor 1-4: Safe to conduct works, development or action. Risk Factor 5-12 Further controls, actions and or mitigation required in order to reduce the risk. Risk Factor 12+ Unsafe, unacceptable risk. 1. Context / Site overview and disclaimer

1.5 Context Invasive non-native species are one of the world’s biggest environmental threats and cost the GB economy nearly £2 billion annually. The cost to water companies is at least £7.5 million per annum, a figure expected to rise as increasing numbers of invasive species arrive in the country.

1.6. Site overview The site is located on the western edge of the town of Machynlleth in Powys with a central survey grid reference of SH 74301 00692, (Appendix 7). The site consists of marshy grassland, improved grassland, hedgerows and ditch habitats and is approximately 1.7 ha in size. The surrounding land largely consists of, improved grassland, semi-natural broadleaved woodland, poor semi-improved grassland and buildings. Other less extensive habitats found within 1km of the core survey site include, bare ground, dense scrub, bracken, standing water and planted coniferous woodland.

The Dominant habitat within the zone of influence is improved grassland on deep and moderately acidic soils. Other dominant Phase 1 habitat compartments within the zone of influence include, semi-natural broadleaved woodland, poor semi-improved grassland, and Buildings. Scattered and highly fragmented habitats within the zone of influence include areas of bare ground, dense scrub, bracken, standing water, planted coniferous woodland, unimproved acid grassland and intact hedges

1.7. Proposed development, project or action Powys County Council propose the construction of a new grass-pitch for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen.

Related ecological documents:

Ysgol Bro Hyddgen EP1 habitat report v1 2020 (Vital-ysgol-EP1-3-08-2020)

Ysgol Bro Hyddgen Ep1 field to north v1 2020 (Vital-WLGL-EP1-03-08-2020)

Ysgol Bro Hyddgen EcIA v1 2020 (Vital-ysgol-EcIA-8-8-2020)

1.8. Disclaimer Vital Ecology has exercised due care in preparing this report and the content has been provided in accordance with the CIEEM Code of Professional Conduct. We have not independently verified information provided by others. No other warranty, express or implied, is made in relation to the content of this report and Vital Ecology assumes no liability for any loss resulting from errors, omissions or misrepresentation made by others. Nothing in this report constitutes legal opinion. If legal opinion is required the advice of a qualified legal professional should be secured. Any observations relating to built structures or trees have been made from an ecological point of view and, unless stated otherwise, do not constitute structural or arboricultural advice. 2.Legislation and planning context 2. Legislation and planning context The following legislation is relevant to invasive and injurious plants and their proposed treatment and disposal:

The EU Regulation (1143/2014) on invasive alien (non-native) species entered into force on 1 January 2015. The Regulation imposes restrictions on a list of species known as “species of Union concern”. These are species whose potential adverse impacts across the European Union are such that concerted action across Europe is required. This list is drawn up by the European Commission and managed with Member States using risk assessments and scientific evidence.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 Section 14 bans certain methods of killing or taking wild animals, including birds, and restricts the introduction and sale of certain non-native animals and plants.

Variation of Schedule 9 (England and Wales) Order SI 2010/609; amends the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 by adding new species to the list of plants not to be planted or allowed to grow in the wild, including Himalayan balsam, floating pennywort and cotoneaster

Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (as amended) provides a consolidated system for environmental permits and exemptions for industrial activities, mobile plant, waste operations, mining waste operations, water discharge activities, groundwater activities and radioactive substances activities. It also sets out the powers, functions and duties of the regulators

Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 requires any person who uses pesticides to take all reasonable precautions to protect the health of human beings, creatures and plants, and to safeguard the environment and in particular avoid pollution of water.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 defines the legal framework for duty of care for waste, contaminated land and statutory nuisance

Ragwort Control Act 2003 inserts into the Weeds Act 1959 a new section enabling the government to make a code of practice on preventing the spread of ragwort

Weeds Act 1959 enables the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (or their delegates through the Natural Environmental and Rural Communities Act 2006) to enforce land occupiers where injurious weeds (including ragwort) are growing to take action to stop them spreading and fined if the order is not complied with.

Due diligence and adopting best practise When dealing with any non-native species, demonstrating that you have exercised due diligence, adopting best practice and taking reasonable steps to comply with the legislation is prudent. This involves: a) Adopting a precautionary approach. b) Carrying out risk assessments. Due diligence is likely to include assessing the risk of an offence happening, establishing what to do to avoid it happening and acting according to best practice to prevent it happening. c) Identification of non-native species, mitigation advice and following good management practices. Photographs of many INNS species, advice on mitigation methods and ‘good practice’ guidance for many key species can be found at the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat website: www.nonnativespecies.org. You should seek early advice from an expert or habitat lead, if you are unsure about any issues relating to either the identification/management or release/planting of any non-native plant or animal. 3. Identification of invasive species / How species spread / Control of species 3. Identification of Invasive Species

Appendices 1-6 provide a guide to commonly encountered invasive species, including Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed.

3.1. How Invasive Plants Spread and control methods The Department of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra, 2013) provides guidance on the spread of invasive species. A summary of this standing advice is given below:

Japanese Knotweed Japanese knotweed does not spread from seeds in the UK as all of the plants recorded in the UK are female. It is spread when small pieces of the plant or rhizomes (underground root-like stems) are broken off. One piece of rhizome or plant the size of a fingernail can produce a new plant. Pieces of plant or rhizome can be transported to a new location via; water - if the parent plant is close to a river or stream, movement of soil which contains rhizones and Fly-tipping of cut or pulled stems. It is possible for individual plants to cover many square meters of land, with an extensive network of rhizones below ground.

Control Herbicide treatment can be an effective way of controlling Japanese knotweed, but the underground rhizome are not always killed and with disturbance, the plants may regrow.

Giant Hogweed Giant hogweed produces large, umbrella-like flowers, each of which can produce more than 40,000 seeds. Seeds can be transported by vehicles, water, footwear, movement of soil. The seeds can remain dormant in the soil for up to 15 years.

Control If plants are treated with herbicides and killed, many thousands of seeds may be distributed in the ground and can result in further plant growth. In order for control programmes to be successful, they must continue for several years and include checks for new growth. When managing giant hogweed it is important to maintain a healthy grass sward, either by using selective herbicides or by sowing grass mixes. A dense grass sward helps to prevent giant hogweed seeds from germinating.

Himalayan Balsam Himalayan balsam plants can produce more than 2000 seeds every year. The seed pods open in such a way that the seeds are thrown up to 7m away from the parent plant, helping the species to quickly spread. Seeds can also be transported by water, vehicles (especially tracked), footwear; and by the movement of soil.

Control Even if you remove these plants, or treat them with herbicides and they die, many hundred of seeds can be distributed in the ground and can result in further plant growth. In order for control programmes to be successful, they must continue for several years and include checks for new growth.

Cotoneaster Seeds are transported by mammals, birds or by the moving of soil.

Control Mechanical methods of control comprise pulling young seedlings and excavating the root mass. Any material from the cotoneaster/containing cotoneaster waste must be chipped/burnt on site, or removed to licensed landfill as controlled waste. Chemical methods of control include spraying plants with herbicide and treating stumps of larger plants to prevent regrowth. 4. Method statement, good practise and further advice 4.1. Method Statement overview Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam) has been recorded on site (Fig 7) All invasive species should be noted on the site plans and clearly marked out on site. Disturbance of marked areas should be avoided and suitable treatments may need to be applied. If the number of plants is very low and confined to low activity and low disturbance areas it may be possible to apply avoidance measures during construction. In any case appropriate action must be taken to ensure that invasive species are not spread by any site development or actions. Common invasive species as set out in this statement should be recognisable to key staff. Construction staff should be vigilant during site works and immediately report any invasive species discovered on site. Before any work on site begins, all construction staff should be briefed in relation to the contents of this bio-security method statement which should then be positioned in a prominent location in the site office.

‘NNSS’ offers free on-line training modules for invasive species and bio-security and it is highly recommended that key staff make use of these before construction work begins. See website for details: www.nonnativespecies.org.

4.2. Treatment methods and contamination avoidance Japanese knotweed If only a small number of Japanese knotweed plants are identified, and it is possible to avoid the area, an exclusion zone can be created around the plants. The underground plant system of Japanese Knotweed can extend up to seven metres from each plant so the exclusion zone needs to allow for this. Exclusion zone signs need to be displayed in appropriate prominent locations to ensure that disturbance does not occur.

If it is not possible to avoid working in the area in question, the priority should be to avoid disturbing the surface of the soil that is known to be contaminated and a seven metre area surrounding this. If it is not possible to avoid disturbance or to create an exclusion zone then the plants and surrounding seven metres of soil should be removed. This soil would be regarded as ‘controlled waste’ (Environmental Protection Act 1990) and would need to be disposed of lawfully at a licensed site or treated on site. Please refer to good practise advice notes:

Environment Agency, Managing Japanese knotweed on development sites (Environment Agency,DEFRA, 2013). Environmental Management–Guidance. Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and other invasive plants.

Himalayan balsam Avoidance of the moving of soil within the infected and adjacent areas where the seeds may have fallen. Exclusion zones should be applied as specified for Japanese Knotweed. Where avoidance is not possible, it is recommended that bashing down or brush cutting to ground level is carried out before the plants set seed in April or early May. Small infestations can be controlled by hand-pulling as the species is shallow rooted. If cutting or hand pulling is to be carried out after this time, bag plant tops to prevent seed spread. Should Himalayan balsam be introduced to the site a control programme will be initiated to remove plants each May prior to seed germination and dispersal until such time as no further plants emerge. 4. Method statement, good practise and further advice Giant hogweed Although containment of this species is important, the key reason for setting up of exclusion zones around plants is to protect people from the hazards of it’s toxic sap. If only a small number of plants are present, these can be mechanically cut down to ground level by experienced operators. Operators must wear full protective clothing to prevent damage to their skin. All protective clothing should be carefully cleaned before being removed. If sap gets on the operator’s skin, then the area should be covered to keep it out of the sun, and the person should go indoors immediately and wash all sap off their skin with soap and plenty of water. For larger infestations, chemical control can be undertaken using a non-residual herbicide such as glyphosate. The plants can be sprayed when the plants are growing actively but still less than about 1m high. This is usually in April and May. The herbicide can be applied as a spot treatment to individual plants, using hand-held equipment, or as an overall spray using machine mounted spray booms. Should giant hogweed be introduced to the site a control programme will be initiated to treat plants with herbicide prior to seed germination and dispersal until such time as no further plants emerge.

Cotoneaster Cotoneaster spreads through seed dispersal and any introduced plants will be either hand pulled if immature seedlings or treated with herbicide if allowed to become established. An exclusion area will be established around any plants to prevent further spread. Should cotoneaster be introduced to the site a control programme will be initiated to treat plants with herbicide prior to seed germination and dispersal until such time as no further plants emerge. 5. Bio-security risk assessment / Treatment advice notes

Bio-security / invasive species risk assessment (Table 1)

Activity/Hazard Severity Likelihood Risk factor Mitigation Severity Likelihood Residual risk Infected soil via 3 3 9 Cleaning of all 1 1 1 machinery machinery before arriving on site and follow best practise guidelines. Importing of 3 2 6 Use onsite soil 3 1 3 soil and whenever possible materials or failing that only import soil from accredited suppliers Stripping of 1 1 1 Apply appropriate topsoil 3 3 9 treatments /avoid 31 1 1 3 movement within invasive species zones Reprofiling of 3 3 9 No re-profiling 3 1 3 riparian banks known to be taking place. If this is the case then N/A . Works in close proximity to 3 3 9 No works are likely. 3 1 3 water

Himalayan balsam treatment times (Table 2)

Himalayan balsam Eradication and control (Table 3) 5.4. Equipment and machinery hygiene

To maintain good site hygiene when dealing with any non-native species: a) A fence that can be clearly seen should mark out the area of issue. Signs should be erected to warn people working there that the area is infested / contaminated. b) Where contaminated soil, materials or water are located, signage should be erected to indicate them. c) Personnel working on or between sites should ensure their clothing and footwear are cleaned where appropriate to prevent spread d) Tracked vehicles should not be used within the area of infestation. e) All vehicles leaving the infested area and / or transporting infested soil/materials must be thoroughly pressure-washed in a designated wash-down area before being used for other work. f) Where cross-contamination is possible (i.e. from one site to another), consider designating vehicles or machinery to specific sites where possible to prevent spread. g) Material / water left after vehicles have been pressure-washed must be contained, collected and disposed of appropriately. h) All chemicals used for the control of non-native species should be stored and used in a responsible manner. i) All wash facilities including waste water from washing vehicles, equipment or personnel should be managed in a responsible way so as not to not cause harm to the environment

This guidance is adapted from: The Scottish Environment and Rural Service document: bio-security and management of invasive species at construction sites 6. References

Defra (2013). Environmental Management –Guidance. Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed and other invasive plants. https://www.gov.uk/japanese-knotweed-giant-hogweed-and-otherinvasive-plants#identifying-invasive- plants, accessed 27/8/2020

Forestry Commission, (2012), Bio-security guidance

GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2015). website. http://www.nonnativespecies.org/home/index.cfm. Accessed on 27/08/2020.

Japanese Knotweed control, Accessed at https://beta.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-01/japanese-knotweed- controlling-it-on-your-land.pdf, accessed on 3/8/2020.

Non-Native Species Secretariat, Invasive species sheets: Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, Giant Hogweed

Roe S, (2018, Machynlleth school Extended Phase 1 Habitat Survey report, Ref: Vital-ysgol-EP1-30-07-2018

Roe S, (2020, Ysgol Bro Hyddgen EP1 habitat report v1 2020 (Vital-ysgol-EP1-3-08-2020)

Roe S, (2020, Ysgol Bro Hyddgen Ep1 field to north v1 2020 (Vital-WLGL-EP1-03-08-2020)

Roe S, (2020, Ysgol Bro Hyddgen EcIA v1 2020 (Vital-ysgol-EcIA-8-8-2020)

Scottish environment and rural service, biosecurity and management of invasive species at construction sites, acccessed at https://www.sepa.org.uk/media/163480/biosecurity-and-management-of-invasive-non-native-species-construction-sites.pdf, accessed on 3/08/2020 Appendix 1 www.nonnativespecies.org

Produced by Kevin Doidge, Max Wade, Vicky Ames and Kelly McKee of RPS

Cotoneaster

Species Description Scientific name: Cotoneaster species AKA: Cotoneasterau (Welsh) Native to: Majority of species originate from east Asia Habitat: Rough ground A large group of small trees and prostrate shrubs that can be either evergreen or deciduous. They are be- coming increasingly naturalised due to birds which eat the small red berries and spread the seed. There is one native species, wild Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster cambricus) which occurs as a few individuals in North Wales. This ID sheet includes those introduced species which are relatively common. Where they become established they can become dominant to the exclusion of native species.

Himalayan cotoneaster (Cotoneaster simonsii) is an erect deciduous shrub 3-4 metres high with 1.5-2.5 cm long leaves; small-leaved cotoneaster (Cotoneaster microphyllou) is an evergreen low-growing shrub with very small leaves (0.5-0.8cm long) and tree cotoneaster (Cotoneaster frigidus) is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree with leaves between 6-15 cm long and flow- ers in dense clusters. All these species have leaves which are shiny and hairless on the upper surface and slightly hairy on the lower surface. Cotoneaster species do not have thorns.

Wall cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis) is the most widely recorded species and is distinctive in having stems that spread horizontally in flattened herring-bone like branches and bears single flowers. Unlike the other cotoneasters mentioned, the underside of leaves of this species are relatively hair- less.

Cotoneasters have been in cultivation in GB since 1824 and there are over 100 species now widely cultivated in the UK. Other species could also become naturalised.

Cotoneaster species are listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with respect to England and Wales. As such, it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause these species to grow in the wild.

For details of legislation go to www.nonnativespecies.org/legislation. Himalayan cotoneaster (Cotoneaster simonsii)

Key ID Features Slightly hairy lower Himalayan cotoneaster surface of the leaf Non-native (Cotoneaster simonsii)

Leaves alternate Leaves not along the serrated stem

Shiny and hairless upper surface of the leaf

Red/orange fruits in clusters Identification throughout the year Distribution Cotoneaster species are widespread Evergreen species such as throughout Britain. the small-leaved cotoneas- ter can be identified throughout the year by its leaves. Deciduous species can be identified by the presence of the red berries which can remain through- out winter and, in the case of wall cotoneaster, by the distinctive herringbone- shaped branches.

Similar Species Source: NBN Gateway. Check website for current distribution. Firethorn Non-native (Pyracantha coccinea) Some other species of Cotoneaster Wall cotoneaster Non-native (Cotoneaster horizontalis)

Herringbone-shaped branches A shrub with small serrated leaves that alternate along the stem, which has long thorns

Wilson’s honeysuckle Non-native (Lonicera nitida) Himalayan cotoneaster Non-native (Cotoneaster simonsii)

Similar to the small leaved cotoneasters, leaves opposite not alternate Aromatic wintergreens Non-native (Gaultheria species)

Evergreen habit An evergreen shrub with alternate leaves and bell shaped flowers, unlike the five petalled flowers of Small-leaved cotoneaster cotoneasters Non-native (Cotoneaster microphyllus)

Other similar species which may be confused with cotoneaster include: References and further reading: Escallonia (Escallonia macrantha) - an evergreen shrub which Johnson, O and More, D (2004) “Collins Tree Guide”. has alternate serrated leaves and numerous pinkish-red flowers, HarperCollins no thorns; Preston, C D, Pearman, D A and Dines, T A Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) - a thorny shrub with small serrated (editors) (2002) “New Atlas of the British and Irish leaves, yellow flowers and red lozenge-shaped berries; and Flora”. Oxford University Press Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) - a thorny densely branched shrub with alternate long thin leaves with bright orange Stace, C (1999) “Field Flora of the British Isles”. berries on female plants. Cambridge University Press

Photos from: Kevin Doidge, Max Wade, Mike Harris Appendix 2 www.nonnativespecies.org

Produced by Olaf Booy, Max Wade and Vicky White of RPS

Giant Hogweed

Species Description Scientific name: Heracleum mantegazzianum AKA: Efwr enfawr (Welsh) Native to: Caucasus mountains in south west Russia and Georgia Habitat: Widespread, most common on river banks Easy to identify when fully grown by height, size of leaves and size of flowers. Can be confused with native hogweed when not fully grown or when growth is stunted (e.g. regrowth after cutting). Introduced as an ornamental. First recorded wild in the UK in the late 19th century. Spreads solely by seeds, mainly through deliberate plant- ing, wind dispersal and in water courses. Now common across much of the UK. Contact with any part of this plant must be avoided as even minute amounts of sap can cause blistering of the skin following expo- sure to sunlight. Other negative impacts include out-competing native flora, river bank erosion and increase in flood risk. Can cause delays/ additional costs on development sites where the plant must be removed as controlled waste in order to comply with legislation. Giant hogweed is listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Country- side Act 1981 with respect to England, Wales and Scotland. As such it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause this species to grow in the wild. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, giant hogweed is also classified as controlled waste. For details of legislation go to www.nonnativespecies.org/legislation.

Key ID Features Flower Blotchy or Up to 80cm white or rarely rarely continuous pinkish purple

Up to 3m Umbrella shaped flower

Sharply divided / Bristles on

serrated leaves underside U p t o 5 m

Stems usually Up to 50,000 with sharp bristles seeds per plant held on seed head 1 . 5 c m

Seeds have dark stripes Stem 5-10cm diameter (oil ducts) 2 on one side, 4 on the reverse When ifulgtsdco Similar Species out theyear Identification through- Comparison ofseeds (Heraclum sphondyi) Native Hogweed smaler, upto15c heads aremuch Hogweed flowers Giant Hogwed Spring Hogwed 1cm

Up to 2m of leaves Comparisn Hogwed size offlowerheadandseed. height, widthofstem,sizeleaf, and gianthogweedincludethe Key differencesbetweenhogweed is hogweed. species withwhichitmightconfused other nativeplants.Themostlikely bance, itcanbeconfusedwithsome stuned, poiblyarf- other plant.Whilestillgrowingor confuse gianthogweedwithany Hogwed of stems Comparisn Hogwed Giant Giant Hogwed Sumer

1cm 2m ers. dant inCornwall.Oftenassociatedwithlargeriv- Scotland andthenorthofEngland.Lessabun- Extensive infestationsarefoundparticularlyin Widespread andcommonacrossmuchoftheUK. Distribution Cambridge University Press Stace, C(1999) “FieldFloraof theBritishIsles”. national weed (Heracleummantegazzianum )”. CABInter- (2007) “EcologyandManagement of GiantHog- Pyšek P,Cock,MJW,Nentwig, W&Ravn,HP Group plc Management intheUnitedKingdom”.RPS Booy, OandWade,PM(2007)“GiantHogweed Black plete GuidetotheBritishandIrishFlora.”A&C Wild FlowersofBritainandIreland.TheCom- Blamey, M,Fitter,RandA(2003)“The References andfurtherreading: Source: NBN Gateway. Check website for current distribution Phots f rom: OlafBy, Stev mih,Vc ky White Winter Appendix 3 For more information visit www.nonnativespecies.org

Produced by Olaf Booy, Max Wade and Vicky White of RPS

Himalayan Balsam

Species Description Scientific name: Impatiens glandulifera AKA: Policeman’s Helmet, Indian Balsam, Jac y Neidiwr (Welsh) Native to: West and central Himalayas Habitat: Found mostly on river banks and in damp woodland, can grow in other damp habitat A tall, attractive, annual herb with explosive seed heads. Although easy to iden- tify as a mature plant with its pink-purple flowers, fleshy stem and characteristic .leaves, the seedlings and last year’s dead stems of this annual are more difficult to spot. Up to 2m tall Introduced as a garden plant in the early 19th century and first recorded in the wild in 1855. Often favoured by the general public for its aesthetic appeal and is still deliberately planted on occasion. Now widespread in the UK, especially along urban rivers. Spreads solely by seeds, which are small and easily carried by wind or water.

Out-competes native species in ecologically sensitive areas, particularly river banks. Where it grows in dense stands along river banks it can impede flow at times of high rainfall, increasing the likelihood of flooding. Die back of extensive stands over winter can leave river banks bare and exposed to erosion.

Himalayan balsam is listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with respect to England and Wales. As such, it is an offence to plant or otherwise allow this species to grow in the wild.

For details of legislation go to www.nonnativespecies.org/legislation.

Key ID Features Stem Stem is hollow, sappy, green to fleshy and brittle red early in the Trumpet year, shape with turning wide petals pink to red in summer

Leaves and Sweetly scented side branches arise from Pink (rarely white) often with stem joints 2.5 to 4cm long spots and markings inside

Seeds Leaf may have Leave have finely serrated edges reddish mid-rib

Slender to elliptical

Side shoots / roots form along the stem

Approx 2.5 cm long Up to 15cm long Seed capsule, approx 2.5cm long, hanging on red stalks. Short roots with Explode on touch when ripe. Leaves opposite, or in whorls of 3-5 distinctive structure Identification throughout the year Can be identified at most times of the year: March-June by its seedlings, stem and leaf shape, from Ju shape and flowers. More difficult to identify over winter (October to February), look for hay like remains and distinctive root structure.

Hay like remains in winter Root structure in winter

Similar Species Distribution Widespread and common across the whole of the Orange Balsam UK. Primarily on riverbanks and in other damp Non-Native areas. (Impatiens capensis)

Smaller leaves, with fewer serrations

Flowers slightly earlier, June to August Orange balsam is much less aggressive than Himalayan balsam, forming smaller less Source: NBN Gateway. Check website for current distribution dense stands References and further reading: Blamey, M, Fitter, R and Fitter, A (2003) “The Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland. The Com- Flower is similar plete Guide to the British and Irish Flora”. A & C in shape but Black orange in colour Smaller than Himalayan Preston, C D, Pearman, D A and Dines, T A balsam, growing to (editors) (2002) “New Atlas of the British and Irish a height of 1.2m Flora”. Oxford University Press Stace, C (1999) “Field Flora of the British Isles”. Cambridge University Press

Photos from: Olaf Booy, Mike Harris, Max Wade Appendix 4 www.nonnativespecies.org

Produced by Olaf Booy, Max Wade and Vicky White of RPS

Japanese Knotweed

Species Description Scientific name: Fallopia japonica AKA: Japanese Bamboo, Pysen saethwr (Welsh), Polygonum cuspidatum, Reynoutria japonica Native to: Japan, Taiwan, northern China Habitat: Common in urban areas, particularly on waste land, railways, road sides and river banks

Tall herbaceous perennial with bamboo like stems. Often grows into dense thickets. Characteristic leaves and stems, persistence of last year’s dead canes and distinctive rhizome (underground root-like stems) enables year round identification.

Introduced in the early 19th century as an ornamental plant. Now common and wide- spread across the UK. Spreads rapidly in the wild by natural means and as a result of spread by humans. Spread is solely by vegetative means, either fragments of rhizome or stem. Does not produce seed in the UK. Negative impacts include outcompeting native flora, contributing to river bank erosion and increasing the likelihood of flooding. Can also cause significant delays and cost to development as well as structural damage (it can grow through asphalt and some other surfaces).

Japanese Knotweed is listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with respect to England, Wales and Scotland. As such it is an offence to plant of other- wise cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Japanese Knotweed is classified as controlled waste.

For details of legislation go to www.nonnativespecies.org/legislation.

Shield shaped Key ID Features leaves

Zig-zag Flat base stems Purple speckled Regular stems nodes (like bamboo)

Rhizome White shoots Rhizome crown at base of plant

Cross-section

Lush green colour

Bright orange inside Identification Winter throughout the year Summer

Spring Flowers in summer

Similar Species Distribution The species most likely to be confused with Widespread and common across the UK. Notably Japanese knotweed are those with which it is extensive infestations are found in the south-west closely related: giant knotweed and its hybrid. Both are relatively uncommon in the UK. Key of England, south Wales and Greater London, differences between these are given below. however similarly extensive populations can also be found elsewhere. Much larger leaf Smaller leaf 1 0 - 5 c m u p t o 4 0 c m Flat base

Lobed Japanese base Knotweed For comparison Source: NBN Gateway. Check website for current distribution References and further reading: Giant Knotweed Non-native Blamey, M, Fitter, R and Fitter, A (2003) “The (Fallopia sachalinensis) Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland. The Com- plete Guide to the British and Irish Flora.” A & C Black Child, L E and Wade, P M (2000) “The Japanese

u p t o 2 3 c m Knotweed Manual”. Packard Environment Agency (2006) “The Japanese Intermediate Knotweed Code of Practice”. Environment size and shape Agency Preston, C D, Pearman, D A and Dines, T A (editors) (2002) “New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora”. Oxford University Press Source: Child and Wade Hybrid (2000). The Japanese Non-native Stace, C (1999) “Field Flora of the British Isles”. Knotweed Manual (Fallopia x bohemica) Cambridge University Press

Photos from: Olaf Booy, Helen Parish, Max Wade, Vicky White Appendix 5

Centre for Aquatic Plant Management Information Sheet 4: Giant Hogweed

Giant Hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier, was introduced into Britain in the 1893 as an ornamental plant. It escaped from domestication and is now colonising many areas of waste land and river banks. It can grow to 5m high and has a large umbel of white flowers from which it produces 30 to 50,000 viable seeds per year. When these seeds fall into water they are dispersed downstream and washed up along the bank, often on scoured bare sediment, allowing the plant to spread rapidly along watercourses. In a natural state, the plant is biennial, growing from seed in the first year and flowering in the second season. However, if the plant is cut down before it produces seed, it will survive into a third or subsequent season, attempting to flower each year. It can form dense colonies which suppress the growth of native plants and grasses and leave the banks bare of vegetation in the winter. These are then liable to erosion or to recolonisation by seeds of Giant Hogweed washed downstream onto the bare ground.

MECHANICAL CONTROL

Hand cutting should never be undertaken unless the operator is wearing full protective clothing to prevent skin contamination by the sap. Machine operators should take similar precautions because the sap can be spread onto machinery and subsequently come into contact with skin. Cutting before flowering will, at best, produce only temporary control and ensures that the plant regrows in the following season. Cutting after flowering has no benefit once the seeds have been formed, except to clear away the dying vegetation. Small infestations can be controlled by digging out the whole plant. It is possible that large infestations may be controlled by deep cultivation (ploughing) although this has not been tested and is generally impractical on river banks. Cutting through the stem must be done below ground level to ensure damage to the rootstock and to prevent regrowth from the base.

WARNING

The sap of giant hogweed contains a toxic chemical which sensitises the skin and leads to severe blistering when exposed to sunlight. THIS REACTION CAN RECUR FOR MANY YEARS.

Page 1  CEH, 2004 CAPM, CEH Wallingford, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8BB Email: [email protected] Web: www.capm.org.uk CHEMICAL CONTROL

The only herbicide which is known to control Giant Hogweed and which is approved for use in or near water, is glyphosate. The plants can be sprayed with glyphosate at a rate of 61 per ha when the plants are growing actively but still less than about 1 m high. This is usually in April and May. Long-lance sprayers may assist in accurate application of glyphosate to plants growing in inaccessible sites along river banks. Glyphosate can be applied as a spot treatment to individual plants, using hand-held equipment, or as an overall spray using machine-mounted spray booms. In the latter instance, total weed control of all vegetation will occur and it may be necessary to reseed the treated area with grass and other native plants. Establishing a good sward of grasses soon after treatment of the weed will help to reduce the rate of recolonisation of the area by seeds of Giant Hogweed.

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL

None known. Constituents of the toxic sap are thought to act as feeding deterrents for many insects, although there are some specialist Lepidopteran feeders (Butterflies), whose caterpillars may offer some degree of control

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

None known, although maintaining a dense grass sward may help to reduce germination of seedlings.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

The seeds of this plant are thought to remain viable for up to 7 years, and possibly up to 15. Once a plant has produced seed, it should be assumed that the seeds will be present in the surrounding area for at least this length of time. Control measures will only affect those plants which have already germinated and viable seed may continue to germinate each year until the seed bank is exhausted. Therefore, eradication, as opposed to temporary control for one season only, requires regular annual checks to ensure that any germinating plants are controlled before they can seed.

On river banks, seeds may be washed downstream from colonies along the river bank. Any attempt to eradicate this plant is unlikely to succeed unless control is exercised along the whole river system. Good examples of catchment wide control are from the Ribble Valley (EA North West) and the River Medway Project

BEST OPTION

Spray individual plants or whole colonies with glyphosate in April or May. Reseed the area once the plants have died off. Spot treat new plants as they appear.

Page 2  CEH, 2004 CAPM, CEH Wallingford, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8BB Email: [email protected] Web: www.capm.org.uk SUMMARY OF TOXICITY The toxic components (psoralens or linear furanocoumarins) of Giant Hogweed are stored as biologically active aglycones, mainly in the oil channels or ducts in the leaves, stems, roots, flowers and seeds. Therefore all sap bearing parts of the plant can produce phyt o-photodermatitis (sensitive reaction to light) on contact with exposed human skin.

There are several points to note in consideration of this severe skin reaction:

 Contact with the cut material in sunlight produces a reaction in almost everyone. The degree of symptoms will vary between individuals, but children are known to be particularly sensitive.  The cut material remains active for several hours after cutting  Blistering symptoms occur after 24-48 hours post exposure, and dense post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation is visible after 3-5 days and may persist for at least 6 years.  The threshold concentration of furanocoumarins (10-100 µg ml-1) for a phytophotodermatitic reaction is far exceeded during the growing season. The highest concentration is in the leaves, the lowest in the stems (often the cause of mouth blisters in young children) and petioles, and the root intermediate.  The mode of action in the photosensitive reaction causes damage to DNA, thus inducing cellular damage, especially in melanocytic cells. The mechanism is thought to be due to photoinduced gene suppression leading to increased melanocyte production. These mechanisms are also involved in sunlight induced skin cancer, or melanoma, but evidence suggests that furanocoumarins are unlikely to be a genetic or carcinogenic hazard to humans.  High light and nitrate habitats (e.g. streamsides, roadsides and waste ground) tend to produce higher quantities of furanocoumarins  The furanocoumarins are produced by the plant as a defence against insect herbivory. There may be loss of insect biodiversity in dense stands of this species, due to the presence of only specialist herbivore insects.  Furanocoumarins are known to be antifungal, possibly explaining their presence in the roots. This may lead to suppression of soil fungi, essential for soil fertility.  There are reports of long-term damage to ducklings that had trampled on Giant Hogweed tissue. The beaks were deformed and feet darkly pigmented three weeks after a brief exposure.

REFERENCES

Cooper, MR and Johnson, AW (1998), Poisonous Plants and Fungi in Britain, 2nd edition, HMSO, London, Tiley, GED, Dodd, FS, and Wade, PM (1996) Biological Flora of the British Isles. Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier, Journal of Ecology, 84: 297-319

Page 3  CEH, 2004 CAPM, CEH Wallingford, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8BB Email: [email protected] Web: www.capm.org.uk Appendix 6

Centre for Aquatic Plant Management Information Sheet 5: Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is an introduced weed which is rapidly colonising river banks and areas of waste land. It is a perennial plant which grows from rhizomes in the spring to a height of about 3m in mid summer with stiff, bamboo-like stems. In the autumn, the leaves and stems die but remain stiff and erect. The plant produces large masses of white flowers in summer but it is not thought to produce viable seeds. The plant overwinters in the form of rhizomes which grow rapidly and have been known to grow through cracks in rock, concrete and tarmac. Cut or broken stems lying on damp soil can root and form new plants. The spread of this plant to new sites may be cause d by the transport of contaminated topsoil because fragments of rhizome as small as 1 gram can produce new plants. Spread along river banks may also occur when the shoots are cut and allowed to float downstream and are washed onto damp soil beside the river. Japanese Knotweed forms dense stands which severely impede access to river banks and shade out native species leaving the banks bare and liable to erosion in winter. The rhizomes can penetrate, damage and displace stone and concrete embankments and structures.

MECHANICAL CONTROL

DO NOT FLAIL MOW this plant. Cutting should be with simple blades to create a clean cut with no fragments. Cutting the shoots in spring or summer has no long-term control and may encourage the spread of this weed unless the shoots are collected and burnt, The rhizomes appear to be able to survive for many years, even if shoots are cut regularly. Digging, ploughing and dredging are unlikely to have any long-term benefit because of the extensive nature of the rhizome system and because of the ability of even small fragments to regrow.

Transport of soil contaminated with this plant should be avoided and green shoots should not be cut and allowed to float away from any infected area where engineering works are being undertaken but should be collected, dried and burnt.

Sieving or screening of excavated topsoil on site through a 1-2 cm mesh may alleviate the problem of contaminated spoil, and will allow re-use of the excavated soil on site.

CHEMICAL CONTROL

The only herbicide approved for use in or near water which controls this plant is glyphosate. For maximum effect, the plant should be sprayed at 6 l/ha product from late Summer onwards, and control is best when the plant is sprayed during the flowering period. Control is usually improved if the herbicide is applied to both the topside and the underside of the leaves. A nozzle that creates a 360 swath can be used to flood the leaves. The best method is to walk into the stand, start spraying and walk backwards away from the sprayed material. Large areas can be divided up by cutting pathways into the stand at 3-5 m intervals. Regrowth the following year will be much easier to treat.

Herbicides containing picloram (Tordon 22K), imazapyr (Arsenal) and triclopyr (Garlon 4) are more effective away from the water’s edge.

Page 1  CEH, 2004 CAPM, CEH Wallingford, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 8BB Email: [email protected] Web: www.capm.org.uk

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