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The River South Esk Catchment The River South Esk is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for Atlantic Salmon and the Freshwater Pearl Mussel. The catchment has a number of designated sites of international importance due to the range of special species found within the catchment particularly in aquatic environments. The River South Esk Catchment Partnership aim to highlight the importance of controlling invasive weeds within the catchment in actions outlined in the catchment management plan (see http://theriversouthesk.org) and by tackling a wide ranging invasive species eradication project. The problems caused by the invasive weeds on the South Esk include: l Loss of biodiversity due to areas of monoculture created leading to dysfunctional ecosystems. l Loss of indigenous species. l Reduced access to river banks and riverside pathways. l Instability of river banks which leads to increased silt and nutrient input. The Law and Invasives l Section 14 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) makes it illegal to allow any animal which is not ordinarily resident in Great Britain, or that is listed on Schedule 9 to the Act, to escape into the wild, or to release it into the wild. l It is also illegal to plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild any plant listed on Schedule 9 of the Act (correct May 2011). Catchment Status The grey squirrel is abundant and familiar almost everywhere in southern Scotland and is spreading North. There have been sightings at various locations within the catchment. Impacts Grey squirrels have displaced native red squirrels from much of their former British range. Worryingly they also carry the squirrel pox virus which is more often than not fatal to reds if contracted. They damage trees by gnawing young bark, causing commercial damage to forestry and nuisance to gardeners. Grey squirrels are also predators of native birds’ eggs and chicks. Signal Crayfish Pacifastacus Leniusculus Invasive species in the South Esk Catchment American Mink Mustela Vison This small, semi–aquatic carnivore lives in freshwater and marine habitats. It is a generalist and opportunist predator. Mink habitually follow waterways, lake edges and coasts, but cross other habitats regularly. They can often spend time feeding away from water, where conditions allow. Catchment Status The American mink has seen target control in areas of North East Scotland but has been caught recently in various areas of the South Esk Catchment, particularly in lowland areas. Impacts American mink are generalist predators of animals such as domestic ducks and poultry, gamebirds and fish. They take eggs and chicks in gull and tern colonies. They are linked to the demise of water vole populations in Britain and cause damage to fisheries. Giant Hogweed Heracleum Mantegazzianum Aptly named ‘giant’, this umbellifer (member of the cow–parsley family) is native to the Caucasus Region and Central Asia. It may reach 2–3 m high, bearing umbels of flowers up to 80 cm in diameter. The basal leaves are often 1 m or more in size. It is especially abundant by lowland streams and rivers, but also occurs widely on waste ground and in rough pastures. It grows on moist fertile soils, achieving its greatest stature in partial shade. In more open grassland, flowering may be delayed by repeated grazing. Catchment Status Giant hogweed is widespread through out the catchment, particularly in mid to lower areas. Prior to treatment in 2010 larger areas of Giant Hogweed infestation were estimated to cover an area of 181,949sq m. Impacts The sap can sensitize human skin to ultra–violet light, leading to severe blisters. Affected skin may remain sensitive for several years. The plant is also a vigorous competitor, producing almost pure stands which exclude native vegetation and hinder anglers. Grey Squirrel Sciurus Carolinensis Grey squirrels are mainly grey on both body and tail, but some areas of fur may be more gingery–brown. The underside of the body is white. Grey squirrels occur in all woodland, but are most abundant in mature deciduous woods; they also occur in open habitats (e.g. gardens, farmland) where trees are present. They readily cross open areas without trees, but hesitate to cross open water. Their small lobster–like appearance makes crayfish easy to recognise when encountered in a freshwater stream. Compared to native white– clawed crayfish, the signal crayfish is much larger and its claws are red underneath with a small turquoise / white blotch on the surface. Found in most fresh water habitats. Spreads up and downstream and may cross land to colonise adjacent water bodies. Human transfer, although illegal, still continues. Catchment Status Distribution in Scotland is limited. There has been only one record within the catchment but records occur for other neighbouring catchments such as the North Esk. Impacts Negative impacts include the almost complete loss of the native crayfish through the spread of disease and direct competition. Also undermines riverbanks through burrowing and can predate on native fish eggs and aquatic invertebrates. Himalayan Balsam Impatiens Glandulifera A tall, attractive, annual herb with explosive seed heads. Easy to identify as a mature plant with its pink–purple flowers, fleshy stem and characteristic leaves. Found mostly on river banks and in damp woodland, it can grow in other damp habitat. Now a widespread species in the UK, especially along urban rivers. Spreads solely by seeds, which are small and easily carried by wind or water. Catchment Status Wide spread through out the catchment particularly in the middle reaches. River Watch The River South Esk’s website has a river watch section where you can report any sightings of invasive species. This may help in controlling a potential small problem before it becomes a major one. Impacts This species 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. Japanese Knotweed Fallopia Japonica This tall herbaceous perennial with bamboo like stems and 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. For more information please visit http://theriversouthesk.org/river-watch http://theriversouthesk.org/our-projects/ http://www.erft.org.uk/ More information Visit www.nonnativespecies.org/ for further information on established and emerging invasive species throughout the UK. Plantlife have produced an informative leaflet ‘Pond Alert’ for guidance on what plants to use or not to use in garden ponds. Download from www.plantlife.org.uk The Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project is a point of contact for reporting grey squirrel sightings. Visit http://www.scottishsquirrels.org.uk/ River South Esk Catchment Partnership Angus Council Economic Development Division County Buildings Market Street Forfar DD8 3WD T: 01307 473355 • F: 01307 467357 • E: [email protected] Japanese Knotweed 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. It does not produce seed in the UK. It is common in urban areas, particularly on waste land, railways, road sides and river banks. l Prosen junction – Finavon – 4,103 sq m l Glen Ogil area (the Bungalow down to Blackspot Bridge) – 21 records totalling 7,578 sq m Impacts Negative impacts include out competing native flora, contributing to river bank erosion and increasing the likelihood of flooding. In 2009 the “Esk Rivers and Fisheries Trust Biosecurity Plan” was launched. This plan describes the biosecurity issues of the Esk District area. Its aims are the prevention, early detection, control and mitigation of the introduction and spread of selected invasive non native species (INNS) and fish diseases. The ERFT have led on the control of invasive plant species within the catchment. Fu ll RURAL TAYSIDE Co ie s Braedownie – 26 records totalling 464 sq m i l df Acharn – 14 records totalling 2,755 sq m L an l nd Catchment Status Prior to treatment in 2010 the estimated total area within the catchment was 14900 sq m. There are few areas of infestation but some are vast. m muni t Angus Environmental Trust “The River South Esk Catchment Partnership aims to protect and improve the quality of the water, wildlife and local area within the South Esk catchment. At the same time, recognising the opportunities there are to use the river and the area it is in to improve social and economic wellbeing well into the future. The work carried out by the River South Esk Catchment Partnership would not be possible if it were not for our steering group members and in particular our funders. Thank you to you all for your continued support”. Species outlines used are from the GB non–native species secretariat. Images courtesy of SNH, John McAvoy, SWT, ERFT Angus Council Print & Design Unit Invasive Non Native Species in the River South Esk Catchment