Introduction
The CIRB project (Controlling invasive priority non-native species and restoring native biodiversity) is funded by INTERREG IVA and is being undertaken by a partnership of Queens University Belfast, the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland, University of Ulster and Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Across Scotland, Ayrshire Rivers Trust has secured the largest individual share of the fund of the Scottish Partners (Argyll Fisheries Trust, Galloway Fisheries Trust, The Tweed Forum and RAFTS).
The project will aim to restore native biodiversity to those areas currently affected Invasive Non Native Species (INNS). ART in conjunction with Queens University, Belfast will monitor and assess the methods of control used in the project to determine the most sustainable techniques. Japanese Knotweed for example has traditionally been controlled by spraying however, ART has trialled the relatively unproven technique of stem injection themselves and are keen to further research the efficacy of this method and this will be an outcome of the project. We will also assess native species regrowth following treatments.
CIRB project 2011-2014
The CIRB project came to an end in December 2014 and a full report can be viewed by following this link
