ART Blog

It is reassuring to know that ART has been making a name for themselves in Invasive weed control. ART was invited to talk at Falkirk Stadium on the subject of developing strategic approaches to controlling invasive weeds. The audience consisted of both the Commercial and Public Sector and around 75 people turned up to the event. Terrafirma, a major pesticide and equipment supplier from Stirling organised the event.

Stuart Brabbs talking on Strategic Control issues

The opening speaker of the day was Dominic Dyer, CEO of the Crop Protection Association who highlighted the importance of crop protection products in meeting soaring global demand for increased productivity and the challenges that Climate Change is inevitably bringing. Stuart Brabbs from the Trust followed with a 45 minute presentation on Strategic Control issues and shared some valuable lessons learned here in Ayrshire.

Rob Plaice from Monsanto

Rob Plaice from Monsanto was next up with details of new Glyphosate products that will undoubtedly be of interest to anyone involved in weed control (including Rhododendron). Finally, Ian Samms from Nomix Enviro rounded off the event informing the audience of the latest legal developments and changes affecting the industry. After a brief question and answer session we all enjoyed an informal buffet lunch and chatted about issues that cropped up. The was a great deal of interest in developing partnership approaches as we have done through RAFTS and others and I hope some of the organisations in attendance will establish relationships with their local Rivers/Fisheries Trust as a result of this conference. Without a doubt, the Trust network can help overcome some of the obstacles that the Public and Private sectors face when starting to control invasive species. I was amazed to hear of one local authority that have been cutting Japanese Knotweed as part off their control strategies and was relieved I’d included some very clear do’s and don’ts in my presentation.

Falkirk Stadium hosted the event in their excellent conference facilities overlooking the pitch.

Following an interesting call from a member of the Arran Community Council, I’ve arranged to attend a meeting on the 29th of this month to talk  about Japanese Knotweed and its control.

The community is increasingly concerned about the spread of this invasive species across and around their island. Much of Arran’s coastline is dominated by Japanese Knotweed and it is likely due at least in part, to inappropriate management practices that we know occur around the Firth of Clyde’s rivers. Cutting and strimming knotweed on the mainland can have far reaching implications. Japanese Knotweed is able to survive in salt water for up to 6 weeks and readily roots wherever it is washed up by high tides and Arran seems to be suffering widespread invasion as a result. The full extent of the problem is unknown to ART but this will no doubt become clearer at the meeting.

Arran Community Council turned to ART for help and advice following recommendation from East Ayrshire Council who have long been supportive of ART’s INNS control efforts. Whilst we currently have no plans or funding to tackle INNS on Arran, we do feel that our knowledge and expertise in this field may be useful  to the community and assist with developing future strategies.