Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is an invasive plant that has no natural enemies in our ecosystem so easily outcompetes our natural flora. It can spread rapidly in this part of the world, as it does very well in coastal damp places and is having a real impact on the scenic value in places like Loch Fyne & Loch Gilp. It is difficult to get rid of and a sustained programme of treatment is required lasting a minimum of three years.
Two years ago, following concerns raised at the C3 AGM, the Community Company initiated an annual spraying project funded by the community to remove it from the shore of Loch Craignish from the head of the Loch to Kirkton Chapel under C3’s environmental remit.
A licensed and specifically trained person is undertaking the work. This is done by injecting a herbicide into the stems rather than spraying, which can also impact surrounding plants. This uses the minimum amount of herbicide.
Progress is evident but the programme will need to continue for another year or two to deal with the more persistent areas and vigilance will be required indefinitely to avoid it returning.
Where is it? We are aware of and treating a number of patches on the Loch Craignish foreshore, but there will certainly be others. We would love to know of any other locations – so if you know of any patches please email or speak to one of the Directors with a location. You can describe where or a grid reference/lat and long, whatever is easiest. If you are not sure, tell us anyway and we’ll check it out.
Here’s a guide on the species https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=218
Here’s a Map showing the locations we know about on the peninsula: locationsv01.jpg
If anyone would like to get involved in this, in helping locate and map where it is, please say, we’d be very grateful for any assistance
If anyone would like to chip in a few pounds to our knotweed fund, please be in touch.
Two years ago, following concerns raised at the C3 AGM, the Community Company initiated an annual spraying project funded by the community to remove it from the shore of Loch Craignish from the head of the Loch to Kirkton Chapel under C3’s environmental remit.
A licensed and specifically trained person is undertaking the work. This is done by injecting a herbicide into the stems rather than spraying, which can also impact surrounding plants. This uses the minimum amount of herbicide.
Progress is evident but the programme will need to continue for another year or two to deal with the more persistent areas and vigilance will be required indefinitely to avoid it returning.
Where is it? We are aware of and treating a number of patches on the Loch Craignish foreshore, but there will certainly be others. We would love to know of any other locations – so if you know of any patches please email or speak to one of the Directors with a location. You can describe where or a grid reference/lat and long, whatever is easiest. If you are not sure, tell us anyway and we’ll check it out.
Here’s a guide on the species https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=218
Here’s a Map showing the locations we know about on the peninsula: locationsv01.jpg
If anyone would like to get involved in this, in helping locate and map where it is, please say, we’d be very grateful for any assistance
If anyone would like to chip in a few pounds to our knotweed fund, please be in touch.