Invasive Weeds

According to the WFD, a water body cannot be classified as high quality if any high-impact non-native species are present in the catchment. There are non-native animals and plants listed in the WFD. We have selected only 3 species of riparian (riverbank) plant species as our focus because we are aware that these species are commonly found along Northumberland rivers. These species are Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and Giant hogweed.

Currently we have focussed our effort near the towns of Rothbury, Felton and Warkworth. We have run surveys and recorded sightings of Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam using our ‘CRAG invasive weeds’ EpiCollect project. Currently, we have found no Giant hogweed along the Coquet. Some work parties have undertaken Himalayan balsam removal.

We have begun working with the Northumberland Rivers Trust to develop a strategy for removing all of our target species from the Coquet. We are planning to link in with the North East Invasive Non-native Species Strategy and Action Plan (https://tweedforum.org/our-work/projects/north-east-invasive-non-native-species-strategy-and-action-plan/).