Following on from the successful Waterwaysnet Project, durinng which the Camel catchment was surveyed and mapped using GIS technology to identify and quantify the extent of the invasive plant problem, the latest phase of work on the River Camel aims to deal with the issue of invasive weeds in an innovative and practical way.

Now, thanks to support from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, we are tackling the issue of invasive alien species through a combination of raising awareness amongst communities, training and hands-on work groups to clear and control worst affected areas in a co-ordinated manner.

The catchment scale approach will work from headwaters through to main channel to tackle priority areas first, and subsequently over the 3 year project. The River Camel was chosen due to its environmental importance (having Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest status along much of its corridor), also for levels of existing data.

Further Information on Invasive Non-native Species

Invasive non-native species present problems on several levels: environmental, economic and social. The rapid growth and spread of invasives mean they can out-compete native species, ultimately suppressing them which could result in changes to ecosystem structure and reduced biodiversity.

Himalayan Balsam is an annual plant, so when it dies back in the winter it leaves large areas of bare earth, particularly along riverbanks, which add to erosion and contribute to flooding. However, if caught before seeding occurs it is possible to simply pull out plants and control the spread. Seeding is prolific with hundreds of seeds per plant and an explosive seed pod assisting it's progress.

Japanese Knotweed is perhaps more easily recognised by the public; this particularly tenacious plant is more difficult and costly to clear, often requiring repeated chemical applications. This plant spreads by creating a dense clump of rhizome, but can easily regenerate from even small fragments of stem or rhizome accidentally disturbed. By liasing with other bodies such as Cornwall County Council, Camel Trail users and the Environment Agency, we hope to make a combined effort to significantly reduce invasives within this catchment.

By involving and working with communities to help identify the threats and issues surrounding these invasives, we aim to not only tackle them in the short-term, but help contain or control them in the long-term using cost-effective and realistic measures. That's where we need your help - as any interested groups, individuals or volunteers can join in to learn more about the river environment, either through short courses or helping to control one of the threats. We aim to make a marked impact on the catchment over the duration of the project, hoping to reverse the spread and restore areas to previous condition, inspiring communities to maintain the quality of their rivers in the future.

For more information on how to identify and control invasive species, please contact us for more information, or join in with an event in your area to make a difference.