Invasive Non-Native Species Management

Invasive non-native species (INNS) are animals or plants that have been introduced (deliberately or accidently) by human activity to an area in which they do not naturally occur. These cause issues on our rivers such as to the economy, a loss of biodiversity and erosion making river banks unstable which is why it is so important to remove them. We use various methods from manual pulling, pesticide spraying and biological control to remove INNS on our river.

Projects we run for this work are:

TOpHog (Tees Operation Giant Hogweed)
BINNS (Biological Control of Invasive Non-Native Species)

For more information or to discuss any work please contact our Invasive Species Project Manager: John Musham

TOPHOG

#TOPHOG (Tees Operation Giant Hogweed) is our project to tackle Giant Hogweed. Once Giant Hogweed has been sufficiently reduced, we will actively re-introduce flora to areas where large monocultures have made natural regeneration unlikely. Once established, the sites will be maintained, monitored and managed, eventually becoming sources of seed for other sites along the rivers.

Biological Control of INNS

Taking a catchment wide approach to manage these widely dispersed invasive plants. We are using a rust fungus as biocontrol for Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed to facilitate the re-establishment of native flora, increase biodiversity in the natural environment and improve access along the river.

Check, Clean, Dry

Invasive species can be small and hard to spot so are easily spread on damp equipment and clothing. You can help protect the environment and activities you enjoy by keeping your kit free of invasive plants and animals, whenever you leave the water remember to Check, Clean and Dry!

Be Plant Wise