Download Norfolk Non-native Species Initiative

Co-ordinator: Mike Sutton-Croft
Supported by:
What is an invasive non-native species?
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In Great Britain refers to species that appeared here since
the Neolithic era with the aid of humans, reproduces
rapidly and causes “significant change in composition,
structure, or ecosystem processes, or cause severe
economic losses to human activities” (Copp et al. 2005).
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Only a minority of non-native species become invasive!
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Many non-native species have benefits (usually
economic).
Why should we care about invasive nonnative species?
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
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Second greatest threat to biodiversity worldwide.
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Directly, through grazing and trampling by herbivores or direct
predation upon native species by alien predators.
Introduced species could be pathogens or parasites.
May alter habitat form or function rendering habitat unsuitable
for native species.
Genetic impacts.
Can cause increased erosion.
Increases risk of flooding.
Do we want a homogenous selection of species worldwide
or do we value each geographically distinct area having a
unique suite of species?
Why should we care about invasive nonnative species?
ECONOMIC IMPACTS
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Globally, the cost of damage caused by invasive
species has been estimated to be £1.5 trillion per
year – close to 5% of global GDP.
In GB the invasive species are predicted to cost
our economy £2 billion a year.
Across the EU it has been estimated that damage
caused by invasive alien species and necessary
control measures cost at least EUR 12 000 million
annually.
Why should we care about invasive nonnative species?
HEALTH AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
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The larvae of oak processionary moth, a major
defoliatior of oak in Europe, are covered in
thousands of irritant hairs that can cause severe
skin irritation and allergic reactions.
The sap of giant hogweed is poisonous and can
cause blistering.
Aquatic weeds such as Crassula helmsii and
floating pennywort form dense mats of
vegetation on waterbodies, restricting activities
such as fish and navigation by boats.
What is being done about the problem?
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New high level
framework strategy
published in May
2008.
Built on foundations
set by comprehensive
policy review of 2003.
The Norfolk Non-native Species
Initiative
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Launched by the Norfolk Biodiversity Partnership
in September 2008.
Four principal aims:
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Collating and monitoring data on the distribution and
spread of non-native species in the county;
Developing action plans to address the species of most
urgent concern;
Facilitating control and eradication projects at high
priority sites; and
Promoting awareness of the risks and impacts
associated with non-native species.
Collating and monitoring data on the
distribution and spread of nonnative species in the county
Non-native Species Database
Japanese knotweed
Himalayan balsam
Crassula helmsii
Parrot’s feather
Floating pennywort
Developing action plans to address
the species of most urgent concern
Status Report and Action Plan
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First draft produced in
September 2009.
Following
consultation, final
draft produced in
February 2010.
Available on the
Initiative’s website!
Facilitating control and
eradication projects at high
priority sites
Floating pennywort on the Waveney
Giant hogweed on the River Yare
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Project area stretches
along the River Yare,
from Cringleford to
Strumpshaw Fen.
Builds on the
eradication carried out
by Norwich City
Council at Cringleford.
Surveys carried out
last year.
Spraying begins in
April 2010!
Control and Eradication projects
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Many other strategic control and
eradication projects beginning in 2010:
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Eradication of Japanese knotweed in the River
Wensum SAC
Control (and eventual eradication) of
Himalayan balsam at Swannington Upgate
Common
Eradication of parrot’s feather at Sutton
Garden Centre
Control of Crassula helmsii at WintertonHorsea dunes
And more…….!
Day of Action 2010
Promoting awareness of the
Picture
of and
public
risks
impacts associated
with non-native species.
Crayfish in the UK
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Native white-clawed
crayfish populations
are in decline
nationally.
Decline is due to
crayfish plague and
competition from nonnative crayfish
(mainly signal
crayfish).
Crayfish on the River Glaven
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Surveys carried out in 2006-2007 revealed a
healthy population of white-clawed crayfish on
the River Glaven.
Unfortunately, a population of signal crayfish was
also discovered in ponds adjacent to the Water
Lane tributary of the Glaven.
Crayfish on the River Glaven
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Rapid action is
essential if we are to
protect the population
of white-clawed
crayfish in the River
Glaven.
Site visit with crayfish
expert Stephanie Peay
in January 2010
helped plan the way
forward.
Crayfish on the River Glaven
Biocide treatment of the source
population.
 Modifications to the outflow of the
tributary to prevent the movement of
crayfish in to the main body of the river.
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A slightly less ambitious project than
originally planned, but still very important!
Thank you for listening!
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 01603 228977
www.norfolkbiodiversity.org/nonnativespecies