Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) launch meeting 2024
Thursday 7th March 2024
The Scheme are working with the River Esk Giant Hogweed Eradication project to launch and discuss plans for INNS management in the catchment in 2024
The Scheme have created the INNS Steering Group as a multiple benefit of the Scheme. This group’s ultimate aim is to help eradicate INNS from the River Esk, thereby eradicating INNS from Musselburgh.
The Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) launch meeting for 2024 took place on the 21st February 2024.
INNS such as Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knot-weed, and Himalayan Balsam present a risk to species diversity as their dominance out-competes native flowers. Giant Hogweed is also hazardous to human health.
During this year’s launch meeting, it was agreed to take a catchment approach to the management of INNS. In particular, the eradication of Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam as it is the main INNS affecting the catchment.
The River Esk Giant Hogweed Eradication project have gathered an amazing group of volunteers and support of landowners to help spot and dispose of Giant Hogweed in the correct manner to minimise the spread of the species.
Why does INNS affect Musselburgh Flood Protection?
It is a criminal offence to allow the spread of INNS off land. Any soil which may be infected by INNS cannot be moved from the infected site.
Giant Hogweed have 20,000 seeds per plant of which 1,000 seeds germinate. If Giant Hogweed continues to spread without control measures in place cost will continue to increase to eradicate more plants.
To reduce the cost for the project and to help benefit the local community, the Scheme has been involved with INNS management within Musselburgh for the last 4 years.
How can I become involved?
For more information on INNS or to get involved, please visit East Lothian Countryside Volunteers.
Later this year, the Scheme and East Lothian Countryside Rangers will be holding Wildlife Identification Walks and Himalayan Balsam Bashing training.