Friday, March 09, 2012

Fergus launches campaign to rid the River Nairn of Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Himalyan Balsam

Fegus Ewing MSP today launched an initiative to eradicate Hogweed, Balsam and Japanese Knotweed from the Nairn, Findhorn and Lossie rivers. The initiative is being led locally by the Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Fishery Trust.

Fergus is pictured above speaking to Sandy Robb at the Howford this morning. Robb is kitted out with the required equipment and ready to spray the invasive species that are so much of a threat to the native ecology. Here on the Gurn we have highlighted the spread of these invasive dangers for a few years now and we are delighted that work is now under way with Scottish Government support.

Here's two videos that explain in depth how the initiative will work



9 comments:

Freedom said...

Surely these invasive foreign plants will just lose their roots when Scotland becomes independent?

Zapper said...

Did all the little nasties get sprayed then?

Jane Harkiss said...

Japanese Wot Weed? Is it smokeable?
Questions will be asked.
P xx

Graisg said...

You really should get yourself au fait with this nasty stuff Pookie. It's been really getting out of hand along the river. It can even wreck property values if it gets established next to housing.
Have a read.

At least there is going to be an attempt to deal with this stuff. What happens on the river bank is just as important as what goes on in the water. The flora and fauna of both need to retain a balanced relationship. So good luck to the Seymour Munro and his team in this campaign.

Anonymous said...

Will there be anything left alive on the riverside once they all get to work.

Graisg said...

Oh dear anon, you don't really get this. Invasive species are forcing out the native flora and fauna. You kill off the invasive stuff to protect the ecology or otherwise lose your environmental heritage.
If you want a riverside of nothing but Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed then lobby the politicians to tell them they have got it wrong.

old school said...

" to eradicate Hogweed, Balsam and Japanese Knotweed"

I always knew then as the Tories, Labour, and the Lib Dems!

Jane Harkiss said...

It sounds exotic, but like most things that sound good it probably isn't. Death to the Knotty problem. Although I can't help but be interested to know more about Himalayan Balsam. I will Google it. Twiddly Pops. P xx

Graisg said...

Just big Bizzie Lizzies really Pookie