Countryside - General Information

Greener Valleys Project

The Greener Valleys Project aims to help improve the image of the Borough by the management of key traffic routes (A roads) through out the area and our river corridors.

Heads of the Valley funding has helped us achieve this much needed resource and they are keen to support our key objectives, which is to bring invasive weeds under control particularly Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam. Initial funding has been awarded for 2 years, however the intent is to extend and roll out the project, not only through out the Borough but also into neighbouring authorities. Caerphilly County Borough Council currently supports the project, and some works will be running in partnership with them.

Japanese Knotweed is Britain’s most invasive weed, and has become a serious environmental problem in Europe and is thriving in within South Wales.  It is a particular problem in South Wales as it flourishes in mild climates and on unmanaged ground.

Theses invasive weeds, especially Japanese Knotweed displace natural flora degrading biodiversity and can cause serious structural damage to property. The presence of the weed on site also has a negative impact on the economic value of the land.

Why control these weeds?

These plants shade out other native species, reducing the amount of suitable habitat for insects, birds and mammals.

The plants tend to accumulate unsightly litter amongst the stems.

They can cause damage to river banks, pavements, buildings and car parks.

The majority of these weeds are spread through man’s activities, such as fly tipping and the movement of contaminated soil. Mechanical flails and mowers can also spread the weeds. 

Japanese Knotweed propagates vegatively, spreading by the means of underground steams or rhizomes that push through the soil and develop ariel shoots enabling rapid growth and wider contamination.

The sap from Giant Hogweed contains a phototoxic chemical, which is sensitive to skin; leading to severe blistering when exposed to sunlight. This reaction can recur for many years!

Treatment and Control

Unfortunately it is very difficult to remove Japanese Knotweed or Giant Hogweed without the assistance of herbicides.

The current laws surrounding these invasive weeds are:

 

• Under sc 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is a criminal offence to plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild certain types of plants. The relevant plants are listed in schedule 9 to the act. The list names Japanese Knotweed.
• Any soil removed from areas where Japanese Knotweed is present must be disposed of at a licensed landfill site and not reused. There are strict controls on the disposal of the knotweed and any contaminated soil. There is a duty of care, and all waste must be disposed of safely.

Any person/s found guilty of an offence can face a potentially unlimited fine and/or imprisonment for up to two years.

The treatment and control works for the Greener Valleys Project are to be undertaken newly recruited dedicated Taskforce Team.

The Taskforce team are aiming to the treat the weeds through an intergraded approach with a single application of a Glyphosate. The Japanese Knotweed will be sprayed late in the season (July – October) when it is in full leaf and flower.

The Hogweed will also have a chemical application, but this will be early on in the season (March – August), before the plant has begun to flower. If the plants have flowered, then they will have to be cut, and then sprayed.   

Extra precaution must be taken when using chemicals by watercourse. All works have been subject to consultation and approval of the Environment Agency.

What you can do to help …

Community support and assistance are vital to the success of the Greener Valleys Project. By doing the following you will be assisting with the eradication if these problematic weeds:

 

• Report areas where the weeds have been sighted, especially along the river corridors.
• Be mindful of the weeds and prevent the spread of them by following guidance on the treatment methods.
• Areas that been treated by chemical means must be left and not interfered with. Under no circumstances should the weeds be tampered with or moved from the site.
• Report anyone that you see cutting and removing areas of infestation that you know or suspect to be unauthorised. (We can contact them and help with problem).

Invasive weeds on your site

Below is a checklist of actions to follow if you suspect that you have an invasive weeds infestation on your land.

 

• Find out more – Identify weeds species and level of infestation.
•  Seek advice on treatment methods suitable for your site from the Environment Agency 
•  Make a plan of action to control, expect a long term action programme. 
•  Implement recommended treatment.
•  Remember that you have a legal obligation not to spread the weed.
•  DON’T PANIC