Project 7: Aliens on the Lough
This project will raise awareness and provide advice and training to the local community on identification and management of invasive species including Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed in the Lough Erne area.
Project 7: Aliens on the Lough
Project Partner: Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
Theme: Protecting Habitats and Species
Invasive species are plant and wildlife species which are not native to the region that they are found. Species can become evident in areas for several reason but with some invasive species if they are not managed, they can be detrimental to local habitats and native species.
Through this project LELP in partnership with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and local volunteers will work toward the eradication of areas of invasive species within the LELP area.
For more information or to get involved please contact Heather Gott call 028 6632 7109 email: heather.gott@rspb.org.uk
Sarah Jane Explaining the Invasive Species we are working to manage
What is an Invasive Alien Species
Invasive species are species that have been introduced (deliberately or accidentally) by humans and have a negative impact on the economy, wildlife or habitats of Ireland and Northern Ireland. After habitat loss, invasive species are the second biggest threat to biodiversity worldwide, and the biggest threat on islands.
Keep an eye out for Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in your area and record sightings with the Centre for Environmental Data and Recording. View our downloadable guides below to help you identify invasive species that may occur in your local patch. Recording this data is vital to help limit the amount or stop the spread completely. Species such as the Asian Hornet or the Oak Processionary Moth have been recorded in parts of England and just recently in the island of Ireland, so vigilance is essential.
Human activities are the main cause of the arrival of invasive species. Many species are deliberately released whilst others have escaped from our gardens and farms like the American mink and giant rhubarb. Some arrive as hitchhikers and stowaways with imported goods like the New Zealand flatworm!
For further species information and identification visit Invasive Species Ireland or Non Native Species Secretariat.
To access the IAS Species ID cards click here
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council were pleased to host the first “Aliens on the Lough” training event at Castle Archdale Country Park as part of the Lough Erne Landscape Partnership (LELP) programme designed to promote awareness of invasive alien species locally. An invasive alien species or IAS is categorised as any non-native animal or plant which can spread and cause damage to local biodiversity, the economy and health.
Pictured above is Japanese Knotweed, also known as monkeyweed, elephant ears or donkey rhubarb. Participants at the workshop were advised against cutting invasive alien species like this which is an offence under the Wildlife (NI) Order and can spread the plant.
Request for Quotation for Japanese Knotweed Control.
Closing Date: 12 noon, Wednesday 11th September 2019
As part of the Invasive Species project Fermanagh and Omagh District Council invite quotations for a Japanese Knotweed Control Programme across 7 sites in the Enniskillen area for the Autumn 2019 treatment. The awarded contractor will treat all Japanese Knotweed stands found at various sites, full information on the sites can be found in the information pack. For further information regarding this quotation request and a full information pack please contact Julie Corry,Julie.corry@fermanaghomagh.com
The works must be complete by the end of the season, before 31st October 2019.
On the 20th of March 2020 Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in partnership with Lough Erne Landscape Partnership will be hosting our first Rhododendron Bash in Castle Archdale Country Park