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Alien Invaders |
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Concern about ugly
consequences of Ornamental Escapes BSCG agrees with authorities that prevention is
better than removal. We would also suggest that, given the risks, it makes sense
to avoid purchasing exotic ornamental plants for garden ponds. The Cairngorms Local Biodiversity Action Plan
notes that for the freshwater pearl mussel."introduced Ranunculus weed and
the chemical used to control it may become a significant issue on the River
Spey" The plan also states for UK wetland and water Priority species in the
Cairngorms "three Priority species (19%) have been or are directly
threatened by non-native or alien species introductions to the Cairngorms
area". Following our inquiry about one particularly
unwelcome new water plant invader to Scotland we are grateful for the following
information from the Cairngorms National Park Authority. Fiona Newcombe, Head of Natural Resources has advised us: "We understand that Australian Swamp Stonecrop is widespread in England and now spreading in Southern Scotland. Recently it was found in the Loch Lomond catchment and SNH have serious concerns that it will spread further north via ornamental escapes. The species is very aggressive and grows quickly covering the entire surface of water bodies in a thick impenetrable weed mat. This results in the shading of native aquatic vegetation, which usually dies out as the Australian Swamp Stonecrop outcompetes existing vegetation. There could be significant management implications for fisheries (no or little open surface water to use for fishing) and other water users. To date, little work has been carried out on effects on birds, fish, recreation, water quality etc. Hand removal from the surface is time consuming,
difficult and ineffective and as with all non-native species, prevention is
better than removal. SNH have begun a national awareness raising campaign in an
effort to stop or slow the spread on this unwelcome species." BSCG is aware that monkey flowers (Mimulus spp)
are ornamental garden escapes, originally from the new world, that may cause
problems. We are interested in further information on this issue from anywhere
in Badenoch and Strathspey. We know monkey flower (planted in a garden on Cairn
Gorm and spread when soil has been moved) is a problem in one of the most
sensitive areas of the Cairngorms National Park.
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