Finding Aliens in the Clyde Valley

Invasive Species Surveys of the Clyde Valley Woodlands NNR

The Central Scotland Forest Trust undertook some preliminary work on Invasive Non-native species to produce a strategic plan for surveying, monitoring and controlling the main species of riparian (waterside) invasive non-native species in South Lanarkshire.

Part of this involved the survey of two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's) within the CAVLP area (Cartland Craigs and Cleghorn Glen) for invasive species which may have been escaping from neighbouring land. Normally, February isn't optimal for undertaking plant surveys, but as the target species in these surveys were are evergreen, they are often easier to spot in the winter. The main target species were Rhododendron and Snowberry, though any other exotics found were also to be recorded.

This work formed part of a wider project across the area, with collaboration from the Clyde RIver Foundation, to survey the invasive species of the area and train volunteers to accurately assess and record any encountered. Control of these species in some areas, including the Falls of Clyde, was also carried out.

For full details of the survey and results please see the detailed report below, provided by the Central Scotland Forest Trust (now Central Scotland Green Network).