A new project funded by the Tidy Towns initiative is aiming to eradicate three invasive non-native plant species from the catchment of the Afon Cedron around Pentrefelin, near Criccieth.
The plants in question, Himalayan balsalm, Japanese knotweed and American skunk cabbage can cause major problems in an area- their invasive nature means they crowd out important native biodiversity. They also increase the risk of flooding and can cause structural damage locally.
The plants are not native therefore they don’t have any natural predators and their spread needs to be controlled by man.
Laura Jones, Gwynedd Council Biodiversity Officer said:
“Attempts have been made to control invasive non-native species in the area surrounding Pentrefelin in the past, but unfortunately they have been unsuccessful as the plants quickly spread into cleared areas from river banks and gardens up-stream.
“This new project will allow work at a river catchment scale and with the support of the local community we hope to eradicate the plants from the whole catchment – quite the feat.”
This exciting project is being run in partnership between RSPB, Gwynedd Council, Natur Gwynedd, Environment Agency Wales and Keep Wales Tidy and one of the main aims of the project is to create strong links with the local community including residents, landowners and community groups.
Are you interested in finding out more about the project and the problems caused by invasive species or do you want to know how you can get involved? Perhaps you know where some of these plants are growing around Pentrefelin or have some in your garden and want help to eradicate them?
On Friday, 27 May at 7pm the project will be launched at Y Ganolfan, Pentrefelin to give local residents and others that are interested in the project the opportunity to find out more. During the evening there will be presentations on the project and the problems caused by invasive non-native species and plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Refreshments will be provided and there’s a warm welcome to all.
For more information contact Laura Jones, Gwynedd Council’s Biodiversity Officer on 01286 679381.
