Invasive, non native species

As with most parts of Scotland, South Lanarkshire has been colonised by plant and animal species that are not ‘native’, having been introduced through human activity. There is increasing concern about invasive, non-native species (INNS) and their impact upon the natural and built environment.

This position statement on how we manage INNS is intended to support delivery of the Council Plan ‘Connect‘ and its vision to ‘improve the quality of life of everyone in South Lanarkshire’. It will contribute to the objective to ‘work with communities and partners to promote high quality, thriving and sustainable communities’.

Four invasive non-native plants have been selected as priorities due to their potential to damage the economy, human health and/or the natural environment.

Priority 1

• Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
• Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Priority 2

• Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)
• Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum)

See further information on Invasive non-native plants on the NatureScot website.

Our response to INNS

On our own land, we will:

• respond to reports of INNS and consider control of priority 1 species
• comply with legislation by controlling relevant INNS where it can be proved that the plant has spread from a source on council land
• consider control of priority 2 species on key sites (such as Local Nature Reserves)
• maintain a database of priority 1 species
• distribute records of INNS to relevant organisations
• monitor and evaluate control methods where appropriate

On private land, we will:

• provide information and guidance on INNS and their potential control methods.
• assist with species identification.
• raise awareness through various platforms such as our website
• work in partnership with the Green Action Trust to manage a spreadsheet based system for holding INNS information across South Lanarkshire
• control priority 1 species if the landowner can prove that the plant has spread from Council owned land or from council activities

Control methods are various and depends on the species, its spread and location. Options include:

• chemical control: spray over a large area
• chemical control: stem injection over a small area
• physical control for example by hand or machine
• physical control such as excavation, wrapping or burial

In all cases, control will be administered at the appropriate time of year with effectiveness monitored where possible. It should be noted that control can take years to achieve, and in some cases complete eradication of the plant species may never be realised.