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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

Species licensing in Scotland. This is an important consideration on any

development.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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)

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