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Himalayan Balsam - Out-competes native species in ecologically sensitive areas, particularly river banks. Where it grows in dense stands along river banks it can impede flow at times of high rainfall, increasing the likelihood of flooding. Die back of extensive stands over winter can leave river banks bare and exposed to erosion. Mink – voracious predator, taking native species. Japanese Knotweed - Spread is solely by vegetative means, either fragments of rhizome or stem. Does not produce seed in the UK. Negative impacts include outcompeting native flora, contributing to river bank erosion and increasing the likelihood of flooding. Can also cause significant delays and cost to manage, as well as structural damage to developments (it can grow through asphalt). Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Japanese Knotweed is classified as controlled waste. Giant Hogweed - Contact with any part of this plant must be avoided as even minute amounts of sap can cause blistering of the skin following exposure to sunlight. Other negative impacts include out-competing native flora, river bank erosion and increase in flood risk. Can cause delays/ additional costs on development sites where the plant must be removed as controlled waste in order to comply with legislation. 3
Zebra Mussel - It inhabits a range of clean and well-oxygenated freshwaters but can tolerate weakly brackish waters. It attaches, usually in groups, by sticky threads known as byssus, to anything solid underwater such as masonry, stones, wooden posts, tree roots or shells. This attachment can block pipework, affect lock gates and other hard structures in the water. They can also significantly alter ecosystems by smothering native species and rapidly filtering out nutrients from the water. 3
As our society expanded across the globe, so we took our species with us that invaded other countries, and brought back species that made the UK home. Once something becomes established, it is much more difficult to eradicate. Notice the slight lag between establishment and impact – we need to be vigilant of new species hitching a ride on imported goods, such as timber material. 4
Legislation exists to control the spread and mis-management of invasive and non-native species. Mechanisms exists like: • Species control agreements (SCAs), which are voluntary, formalise what steps need to be taken, by whom and by when, to deal with invasive non-native species. • Species control orders (SCOs) are compulsory and can be used to compel certain actions in regard to invasive non-native species. These may be used in urgent situations or where an SCA has failed. SCAs and SCOs may be made only by relevant bodies: • Scottish Ministers (including Marine Scotland) • Scottish Natural Heritage • Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) • Forestry Commissioners Emergency species control orders Except in urgent situations, a relevant body must first offer an SCA to the owner or occupier of the land before making an SCO. Where the relevant body believes the situation is urgent, it can make an emergency SCO. What could this actions mean for your construction site? 5
Further legislation that could be brought into force when managing non-native, invasive species. A statutory nuisance is defined as “any premises in such a state as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance” as under Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. 6
Species licensing in Scotland. This is an important consideration on any development. 7
Protection is given to seals under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 and to deer under the Deer (Scotland) Act 1996. Focussing on European Protected Species. These are protected by the The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) [The Habitats Regulations] Species that you may come across include: bats, wildcats, otters, great crested newts and natterjack toads, Killarney fern, slender naiad and yellow marsh saxifrage When considering activities that could affect European Protected Species, the primary aim should be to avoid any impact on them at all, including any activity that could otherwise constitute an offence. Offences can be avoided in a number of ways, such as; • Modifying the location of a proposed action / piece of work • Timing operations to avoid times when the species is likely to be present • Retaining certain areas/structures used by the species • Modifying working practices • Looking at alternative solutions to problems 8
When European protected species are present, licences to permit works that will affect them can only be granted subject to three strict tests being met. Test 1 There must be a licensable purpose for which licences can be granted. The reason for the licence is public health and safety or overriding social / economic benefit Test 2 There must be no satisfactory alternative . Test 3 The proposed action must not be detrimental to maintaining the species at ‘ favourable conservation status ’. In considering this test, Scottish Natural Heritage will take into account any possible impacts of development proposals on the favourable conservation status of the relevant species in its native range. You must clearly set out all of the mitigation and compensation measures you propose to use to minimise impacts on the species. Lots of further advice on our website on each of these matters. 8
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Essentially – avoiding spread. Standard mitigation and control, such as wheel washes, boot scrubs etc. Japanes Knotweed is particularly troublesome and requires a little extra attention: Japanese knotweed – Do’s Contact the professionals. Use Weed Control company qualified and regulated in Japanese Knotweed management to deliver efficient, effective and reliable treatment. Do not ignore Japanese knotweed when you see it in your building plot. Japanese knotweed – Don’ts Don’t flail or chip Japanese knotweed as this could cause it to spread. Cutting with sharp hooks, slashers etc. or hand pulling is recommended to avoid any dispersal of cut fragments. If you cut down Japanese knotweed, it is best to dispose of it on site. Material taken off site is classified as waste and must be safely contained and disposed of at a licensed disposal site. Don’t try to dig up Japanese knotweed as this will lead to a significant increase in stem density. Don’t spread soil contaminated with Japanese knotweed rhizome. Don’t chip Japanese knotweed material. Mechanical chippers don’t kill Japanese knotweed. Don’t add Japanese knotweed to compost. Compost it separately (preferably on plastic sheeting to prevent rooting) so that you can be sure it is dead. 10
Signal crayfish Do apply for a licence from SNH if trapping of crayfish is planned Do clean all machinery thoroughly, preferably with hot water before moving to new water environments Do follow good biosecurity practice (Check, Clean, Dry) Don’t release any caught crayfish back into the wild. Floating pennywort Can impede flow, exacerbate flooding and interfere with recreational activities. Follow Check Clean Dry biosecurity practice (see page on aquatic biosecurity) Clean all machinery thoroughly, preferably with hot water before moving to new water environments Seek advice of a specialist it the presence of invasive non-native aquatic plants is suspected Consult SEPA before undertaking activities in the water environment. Zebra Mussel 11
Don’t move water where zebra mussel is present. Don’t allow plant or machinery that has been in contact with an infected water body in another waterbody without thorough jet washing or steam cleaning. Do commission a specialist survey prior to work commencing if Zebra mussel is known to be present in the wider area Do inform SEPA immediately of any suspected new locations Do follow good biosecurity practice (Check Clean Dry) 11
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