Invasive species are a serious problem to our native flora and fauna. Some can also be a threat to people and property. We tackle invasive animal and plant species on an almost daily basis.
Our Giant hogweed programme has almost eliminated this poisonous plant on the Wye and good headway is being made on the Usk. Japanese knotweed is a problem plant too. It has the ability to grow through concrete, so is a threat to people’s homes.
Of the fauna, the American signal crayfish is perhaps top of the list of concerns for us. It significantly reduces biodiversity in rivers and can carry a disease that kills our native, endangered Whiteclaw crayfish. We also have to deal with other invasive fauna such as mink.
