Lune Rivers Trust

INNS Strategic Plan 2015

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Written & compiled by Ben Myerscough, Sarah Littlefield & Louisa Blundell

The Lune Rivers Trust Strategic Plan for the controlling of Invasive Non-native Species (INNS) is

divided into separate sections for clarity. Further details in these sections, such as contact

information, can be obtained through The Lune Rivers Trust.

Contents

Introduction to the Area

Projects

Appendix A - Funding

Appendix B - Stakeholder Engagement

Appendix C - Monthly Reports

Appendix D - Actions Table

Appendix E - Species Identification

Appendix F - Species Information & Distribution

Appendix G - Species Control methods & Calendar of control times

Introduction to the Area

The Yorkshire Dales National Park encompasses an area of over 680 square miles lying in both North

Yorkshire and Cumbria and is monitored mainly by the Yorkshire Dales National Parks Authority. It is

one of the most environmentally important areas in Britain for its habitat and wildlife diversity

ranging from green pastures and hay meadows for grazing stock, moorland fringes with rush

pastures for wading birds and upland heather moorland with protected peat bogs.

The area is rich in species diversity of many different plants, animals, and insects. Each area of the

Park has species adapted to each specific habitat and local geology. There are roughly 14 different

habitat areas with over 150 different species identified following the last survey. It is this unspoilt

environmental diversity that has granted the Yorkshire Dales as a National Park.

There is little manmade infrastructure in the area with one A road dissecting the area between

Cumbria and North Yorkshire and one railway line running southerly along the eastern edge of the

Lune catchment's area of the YDNP. Sedbergh is the largest settlement with the River Rawthey

running alongside and through the town. The main rivers in the YDNP are Dee, Rawthey, Clough and

the Lune itself which benefit from passing through the limestone pavements with added minerals

but with the downside of becoming 'flashy' reacting to heavy and low rainfalls with quick responses

in river levels.

Facts and Figures

Area: 1762km2 (Total Area), Roughly 500km2 in Lune Catchment

Main Rivers (In Lune Catchment): Dee, Rawthey, Clough, Lune (on border)

Key Features: Pennine Dales (Environmentally Sensitive Areas), Limestone Pavements,

Central Dales Uplands (Lune Living Landscape), Ancient Woodlands, Heathland, Peatland,

extensive cave network

Major Infrastructure: Settle-Carlisle Railway from North of Garsdale Head leading South via

Cowgill, A Roads

Major Urban Areas (In Lune Catchment): Sedbergh, Garsdale, Grisdale, Cowgill

Other areas of interest: Heather moorland allows grouse shooting in the Winter months

following August 12th, cycle paths and walking routes prominent

Figure 1: Map showing YDNP as part of the Lune Catchment

Projects

INNS Strategic Plan

The Lune Rivers Trust EA INNS project works with many partners to eradicate/ control the spread of

INNS, in particular Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed. We aim to do this

with a five step programme outlined in this, our strategic plan. The funding for this plan is available

in appendix A.

Collaboration - amalgamation and communication of available data and resources

throughout the catchment involving all partners (LRT, YDNP, EA, CFINNS)

Collection of data - assess obtained data for usage and initiate volunteer surveying and Lune

reporting system

Community Involvement - Publicising project through social media, websites, newsletters,

etc. Produce database of volunteers and prepare for training/involvement days

Education - extension of LRT Talking Rivers Project, publicising the need for control and

raising awareness of INNS identification.

Engage and train volunteers - Training days, spraying licenses, and the purchase and

distribution of safety equipment such as gloves, hi vis jackets. Training to commence in May

2015 with the organisation of volunteer days for both long and short term procedures for

combating INNS.

Mapping

Partner information, with reference to mapping availability, is available in Appendix B.

The Trust's use of mapping software is currently improving and constantly updating with the

continued additions of datasets and maps sourced from various partners and volunteers. Having a

dynamic map is one part of the 'collection of data' section of the plan. Below are some of the key

actions that need to be carried out:

Update GIS software with full detailed Lune water network, especially in rural areas where

up-to-date records may be lesser available

Keep GIS software dynamic by constantly included any datasets relevant to funding

opportunities

Use mapping supplied by the EA and YDNP to identify key sites for HB and JK control, which

may be difficult to access and include in GIS

Work with partners to identify sites for control that would be best suited to individual

groups, eg. Schools, Parish Councils, fishing groups, farming groups, corporate days

Appendix A - Funding

INNS funding applications, as of 18th March, 2015

Funding body Stage of Application Details

Yorkshire Dales National Park Sustainable Development Fund

Approved 31.01.15 £8,000

To help map and control INNS on the Lune Catchment waterbodies which are/rise within the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Cumbria County Council Applied for 6.05.15 £1,000

To spray Japanese Knotweed in the Sedbergh and Dent areas.

Appendix B - Stakeholder Engagement, as of 4th November 2015

This section will detail in full all partners, stakeholders and volunteers throughout the catchment with whom we are in discussion or have worked on this

project. It includes all organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals who have committed to support us in the removal of INNS (including

information on commitment, scope etc). For completeness we have also detailed those organisations who have been contacted and have either no INNS

issue in their area or who do not wish to be involved. This is a working document and will continue to grow as partners, stakeholders and volunteers are

added. For a full copy of this list, please contact Louisa Blundell.

Appendix C

YDNP INNS PROJECT – Monthly Reports

Key:- SL - Sarah Littlefield (LRT Project Leader), AB – Andrea Burden (YDNP SDF Project Leader) BM – Ben Myerscough (LRT Scientific Officer), LB – Louisa

Blundell (LRT Catchment Administrator).

Project Objective People involved Actions

1. Funding Secured

SL, LB, BM, AB February 2015 Funding secured from YDNP. June 2015 £1000 applied for from Cumbria County Council for spraying Japanese Knotweed in Dent & Sedbergh areas

2. Strategic Project Plan

SL, LB, BM April 2015 Initial plan drafted based on local workshops and existing data. This plan will be a working document which will be updated on a regular basis in order to keep partners fully updated on progress. This will be particularly relevant to both the INNS recording data and the volunteer database both of which are being added to on a daily basis. May - July 2015 Appendices updated as the project has progressed.

3. Collection of Data

SL, BM. February – July 2015 Existing data from EA and RRT, now collated (BM). New data will be collated and shared with YDNP, EA and LERN who suggested that we also share the data with NEYEDC. Promotion of collection of data at LRT meetings and through Talking Rivers. Walk over surveys undertaken by SL and liaising with local groups to identify potential Balsam Bashing sites.

4. Local Involvement and 5. Volunteer engagement.

SL, LB. February 2015 LB preparing data base of all corporate bodies, local groups, clubs, volunteers and the areas they wish to cover. Gloves, high viz jackets etc purchased from Cumbria County Council. March 2015 LB has added an area filter to help in planning events. As stakeholders are contacted the grid will be completed and housed under Appendix B in our strategic Management Plan, being updated monthly. SL to publicise at all Talking Rivers presentations. In addition to our standard Talking Rivers presentation LRT are now offering an INNS presentation. April 2015 LB has progressed the stakeholder grid, colour-coding it to show those groups who have already pledged support. Dates finalised for volunteer training events and balsam bashes. April - June 2015 LB has continued to contact, engage and promote the project to youth groups and local schools. May – August 2015 Training key Stakeholders for events (Balsam Bashing) Lawkland Youg Farmers and Sedbergh Volunteers. Balsam Bashing days to be organised & promoted. Events include Keasden Young Farmers 05/05/15 training, Sedbergh volunteers walkover surveys and

Appendix D - Action Table

This table is a dynamic document, which will be updated as work proceeds. More details on project updates can be found in Appendix C

(Monthly Reports).

Action/Aim Partners Involved Notes/Comments/Updates Current Status Last updated?

Collaboration

Organise list of all partners and stakeholders into single spreadsheet

All Master copy held by LRT, can be obtained via Louisa Blundell, List complete but can be updated

Complete 04/11/15

Update LRT records with what data is available from other partners in the form of INNS data, mapping, etc

All Master copy held by LRT, can be obtained via Louisa Blundell, Completed but still updated

Complete 04/11/15

Keep up-to-date records of different groups available for corporate days, volunteering or the potential of training days

All More information can be obtained from Louisa Blundell/Sarah Littlefield

Complete/ Ongoing

04/11/15

Full amalgamation of existing databases from all organisations active in the Lune catchment

All Access granted to EA, UU, databases, information shared within partnership

Complete 04/11/15

Collection of Data

Initiate volunteer survey programme to collect data on INNS

LRT - to produce form

Forms produced and returned Compete 25/06/15

"ground-truthing", Sedbergh Volunteers Balsam Bash 22/07/15, Mosaic Balsam Bash 12/08/15, Mosaic Balsam Bash 26/08/15, Lawkland Young Farmers walkover training 15/09/15. September – December 2015 Monitoring training, INNS training and mapping in preparation of 2016 season with Dent Primary, Settlebeck High School and Sedbergh Primary, Sedbergh School (Junior & Senior)

All - to complete

Collect data from EA regarding control sites with difficult access that may be more suited to their staff than volunteers

LRT, EA LRT given permission to access available data via EA database LRT has used data to match up certain volunteer groups with particular locations/tasks

Complete 04/11/15

Convert all existing datasets into GIS layers for easy observation and comparison

LRT, with assistance from

RRT

All previously held data now loaded into ArcGis with the ability to update

Complete 04/11/15

Source Identification sheets for main INNS for use in events and in strategy

LRT ID Sheets available as posters and are included in this strategy Complete 01/03/15

Community Involvement

Research available training courses and their relevance to our work

LRT Compare costs and consult partners to find better offers, training options now available to staff and volunteers by request

Ongoing 28/07/15

Organise training days for potential volunteers

LRT, EA, All Training days commenced on March 20th. Compete 28/07/15

Publicise project through social media, local events, etc

All, primarily LRT SL and LB have more information available Complete 28/07/15

Upload Strategic Plan to LRT website and publicise through Living Lune website

LRT Consult with LB for updates New website complete and upload imminent

Ongoing 28/07/15

Education

Raise awareness through events, social media, newsletters, etc.

All Consult with LB for updates, posters, information packs and newsletters also available. Awareness raised at talks, events and materials distributed

Ongoing 28/07/15

Distribute INNS Identification sheets to local groups, volunteer groups, schools, etc.

All All information printed, distributed at talks and events Ongoing 01/04/15

Arrange school visits for education and the possibility of balsam bashing days

LRT, EA

Dates scheduled for the start of September Term. Youth Group Balsam Bash dates set for August

In Progress 28/07/15

Engage & Train Volunteers

Obtain spraying licenses and training for at least 1-2 LRT staff members and a small number of volunteer coordinators

LRT Contact made with Myerscough College and discounted rates applied for for PA1 , PA6A and PA6AW . Spraying course cancelled, new course starting in Jan 2015

Ongoing 28/07/15

Purchase and distribution of safety equipment and PPE

LRT Safety equipment - gloves and high vis available to all volunteers (to keep)

Complete 28/07/15

Training days to commence for long and short term INNS control

All Dates and locations in diary - some already held and others being added all the time

Ongoing 28/07/15

Key:

RED - Not started

GRN - Complete/ being updated

YEL - Ongoing

As many of the actions outlined in this table have now been completed, LRT will move onto the next stage of actions moving the projects into 2016.

These projects will focus mainly on continued volunteer engagement and a heightened sense of awareness in the area for negative impacts and INNS

control.

Appendix E - Species Identification

This appendix links to the species Identification guides supplied via the NNSS

(http://www.nonnativespecies.org/) which are distributed at any relevant LRT meetings and events.

Included are those for the three priority species. The aim of providing this information is so that the

public and our network of volunteers can easily identify these species and report back to the Trust

and these sightings can be added to our database.

Other species are available via the NNSS website and will be included in this report as seen fit.

Species included:

Himalayan Balsam

Giant Hogweed

Japanese Knotweed

Appendix F - Species Distribution

This information has been amalgamated from a variety of sources, both Trust surveys and also

volunteer surveys to give a better overview of the INNS problem.

The maps shown use blue to show the location of Himalayan Balsam and red to show Japanese

Knotweed.

Figure 2: Overall map of INNS locations across YDNP, red represents HB, blue represents JK

Figure 3: Map showing concentration of survey results from Sedbergh along the River Rawthey

Himalayan Balsam

Figure 4: Himalayan Balsam surveyed along the River Rawthey in Sedbergh

Himalayan Balsam is likely to be widespread throughout the YDNP with increased concentration

along the riverbanks. The River Rawthey shows the highest concentration of HB, this is most likely

due to the increased number of volunteers in the Sedbergh area. Whilst there are currently no

reported sightings North of Sedbergh, it is relatively safe to assume there is a presence throughout

the whole system. The sightings East of Garsdale, on the River Clough, indicate that HB is spreading

out of the main river system or that possibly the seeds are being carried not only by wind and water

but by animal interference.

Japanese Knotweed

Figure 5: Japanese Knotweed spread in the YDNP area, localised around Sedbergh

Similarly to HB, Japanese Knotweed sightings are close to the Rawthey within the Sedbergh area.

Availability of volunteers in the area is probably a key reason for this. Further survey work upstream

and downstream of the area is needed to fully quantify the spread of JK before eradication can begin

to show successful effect. As the current spread is possibly isolated to the town of Sedbergh,

eradication efforts may be partly funded by local interest groups.

Giant Hogweed

There are fewer sightings of Giant Hogweed in the YDNP but some sites have been isolated and

sprayed in 2014. Further and more extensive surveying is required to summarize the full spread and

the relative impact of the species in this river system.

Other sightings

As is the case with the rest of the Lune catchment there have been isolated sightings of floating and

submerged species such as Nuttall's Pondweed and other Elodea species. It is also possible other

INNS, such as Mink, Signal Crayfish, etc. have been sighted, but not reported due to a variety of

potential reasons.

Appendix G - Species Control methods & Calendar of control times

All information has been collected by the Ribble Rivers Trust in 2013.

Himalayan Balsam

Action Target Notes Rationale

Surveying Himalayan balsam on un-surveyed watercourses

Surveying is most effective in the summer months; however this time is best spent on control work. It is possible to survey at any time of year.

A record of the area covered by the survey and areas with no balsam should be kept. The majority of the major tributaries in the catchment are now surveyed, and the

priority streams have been identified. However, a better understanding of the

distribution of Himalayan balsam would help inform the management strategy for

future years. Records of the survey route are useful for planning future surveys.

Absence data is useful for determining the true species distribution and is

particularly useful for locations with old records of the species.

Habitat restoration of treated areas

Local origin native wildflower seed can be sown on areas lacking in vegetation or flowers due to balsam removal. In riparian sites it may be possible to do a habitat scheme comprising fencing and tree planting.

Removal of Himalayan balsam can leave large areas of bare earth which may lead to

erosion and promote re-colonisation by invasive species. It also deprives local

insects of a major pollen source. Suitable habitat restoration, for example by

planting wild flowers can help mitigate these effects. Grazing helps keep balsam

under control so stock exclusion and tree planting more appropriate on sites cleared

of Himalayan balsam.

Re-survey of treated areas and follow up control

All treated areas need to be revisited a number of times throughout the summer to check the effectiveness of control and carry out any further work needed.

The first treatment is rarely 100% effective, especially in dense or extensive patches. Re-surveying the area a few weeks after treatment will give an indication of the survival rate. Follow up control of any regrowth can be carried out at the same time.

Spray suitable sites with glyphosate-based herbicide

Suitable sites will be densely colonised with balsam and have low native plant diversity. Ideally away from water and low gradient terrain. May to July is the most effective time.

Glyphosate is the most effective approved herbicide for this plant. Spraying is a labour efficient way of treating dense infestations but care must be taken to reduce damage to native flora. Environment Agency permit required if spraying near water.

Spray grassland sites with 2,4-D amine-based herbicide

Suitable sites will have abundant balsam growing amongst grass, with few other native broad-leafed plants. April and May is the best time.

2,4-D amine is a selective herbicide which only kills broad-leafed plants, without harming grasses. This is particularly useful for balsam control in grassland as it leaves the sward intact and protects the underlying soil. EA permit required if spraying near water.

Strimming (Brushcutting) of plants in accessible areas

Most habitats types are suitable for using a strimmer to clear the balsam. A metal brushcutter head is useful for cutting through thicker vegetation. April to September

Strimming is an effective way to control Himalayan balsam, particularly when it is growing densely. It avoids the need to use herbicide so can be more appropriate by watercourses and on other sensitive sites. The lower the balsam can be cut, the better; below the first stem node is ideal. Can be useful as a pre-treatment for other forms of control.

Controlling plants by hand, by pulling and using ‘grass slashers

Suitable for sites with difficult terrain, by watercourses, with low densities of balsam and environmentally or ecologically sensitive habitat. April to September.

Hand pulling is a labour intensive but effective control method. It is highly selective so reduces damage to non-target species to a minimum. Grass slashers are useful hand tools which can be very effective at cutting large numbers of plants. Must be carried out during the growing season but before flowering.

Lessons learned from the experience of Ribble Rivers Trust in 2012 and 2013

In sites with high densities of Himalayan balsam, hand pulling as the only method of control can be prohibitively time consuming. A better management

strategy would be to start with strimming and/or spraying treatments and follow up with hand pulling later in the season. Contrary to some literature,

Himalayan balsam does not flower or set seed synchronously. Late developing plants continue to flower through to the end of September. Some of these

late plants flower when only a few inches tall though it isn’t known if these would successfully set seed. To ensure full control of each site, repeat visits are

required throughout the growing season at regular intervals to prevent seed being set.

Japanese Knotweed

Action Target Notes Rationale

Cutting of dead knotweed stems

A brushcutter or machete can be used for this task. Cut material can be left on site. Between late November and March the stems are dead and will not re-root so there is no risk of spreading the knotweed by cutting the stems.

Knotweed stems die back in winter but can still be a significant obstruction the next year when the new growth needs spraying. Clearing the old stems during the winter will much improve access for spraying meaning that the application is more

effective.

Spraying with glyphosate- based herbicide

Each site should be sprayed at least twice per year. Ideally, spray each time the regrowth reaches about 1 m tall and once in autumn just after flowering. The first application is usually in May.

Glyphosate is the most effective approved herbicide for this plant. Spraying is a labour efficient way of treating dense infestations but full control can take several years to achieve. Care should be taken to reduce damage to native flora but there is usually little else growing underneath Japanese knotweed. An EA permit is required to spray near water.

Survey new records of knotweed and assess for impact and treatment options

Important information to record is the size of the colony, how dense it is and how far it is from water.

Speculative surveys for knotweed are not usually an efficient use of time. Knotweed tends to be localised and does not cover large areas. New records of knotweed need to be resurveyed, firstly to assess the need to control and secondly to record the information needed to plan control work.

Habitat restoration of treated areas Areas of bare earth around and under the Japanese knotweed can be temporarily restored through the use of wildflower and grass seeds. These can be sown after the last treatment each year.

Removal of knotweed can leave patches of bare earth which may lead to erosion and promote colonisation by Himalayan balsam. Suitable habitat restoration which encourages development of native vegetation cover can stabilise the soil and discourage further invasion. The difficulty is that knotweed takes several years to treat and that each treatment is likely to kill many of the plants underneath the knotweed.

Re-survey of treated areas and follow up control

Resurvey should look for the effectiveness of the treatment and whether any patches have been missed. Further herbicide applications may be needed.

Japanese knotweed control requires several years of persistent treatment to fully kill the plants. Re-survey, follow up control and monitoring are essential to ensure full control and prevent a waste of time and money.

Monitor arrival and effects of psyllid Aphalara itadori

Check plants for psyllid before treatment. If suspected psyllid is found, delay treatment until identification is confirmed.

This insect was released by CABI in March 2010 under license from Defra as a biocontrol agent for Japanese knotweed. As a new species and a new

control agent, it is important to monitor for presence of the psyllid in the Ribble catchment and if found, inform CABI and seek advice regarding further management.

Lessons learned from Ribble Rivers Trust in 2012 and 2013

It is difficult to effectively spray colonies of knotweed that are tall and dense. Only the outside edge of these colonises really gets sprayed. Knotweed should

be sprayed when it is a manageable height in spring so that it does not grow too tall to spray later in the year.

Stem injection is very time consuming and only works for knotweed with thick stems. This technique can be useful for small patches of knotweed on

sensitive sites where herbicide may cause damage, however for the majority of sites, knapsack spraying is more appropriate.

Giant Hogweed

Action Timing Target & Seasonality Rationale

Glyphosate treatment of high priority sites

April - June Leaves of giant hogweed are most permeable to glyphosate when they are young so the best time to spray is spring and early summer, before flowering.

Glyphosate is the most effective approved herbicide for this plant. Spraying using a knapsack sprayer with a lance reduces the risk of skin contact with the plant. Spraying personal protective equipment also protects against contact with the plant.

Prevention of flowering by mechanical means

May - August

Plants can be cut or dug up just below ground level. This may prevent or delay flowering but may need to be repeated. As a last resort, the flower stalk itself can be cut and removed.

Preventing flowering of the plant prevents seed production. If chemical treatment is not possible in a particular season, this is the next best option. This method of treatment also weakens the plant and reduces the need for herbicide use.

Survey new records of giant hogweed and assess for impact and treatment options

June - November Important information to record is the abundance or number of plants, the size of the plants and the distance from a watercourse.

Giant hogweed is a hazard to health and new records should be assessed promptly for risk posed to the public. Rapid response to new records of giant hogweed may prevent establishment of a colony and be cost effective in the long term.

Habitat restoration

July - November Habitat restoration carried out where appropriate

Removal of giant hogweed, especially by mechanical means can leave areas of bare earth which may be susceptible to erosion or colonisation by invasive plants. Habitat restoration, for example by planting native wildflowers can help mitigate these effects. Wildflower mixes should be of local origin and suitable for the given habitat.

Re-survey of treated areas and follow up control

June - September Resurvey of treated sites should look for the efficacy of treatment and any plants missed. Follow up control should then aim to achieve full control of the site for that year.

Glyphosate treatment of giant hogweed may require several applications to kill the plant. In subsequent years, new plants are likely to emerge from the seed bank. Re-survey, follow up control and monitoring are essential to ensure full control.

Lessons Learned from Ribble Rivers Trust in 2012 and 2013

Cutting giant hogweed down at ground level in May is insufficient to prevent flowering in all plants. Repeat treatment closer to flowering time in June or

July is necessary.

Old records of giant hogweed should not be discounted until they have been re-surveyed. The plants’ long lifecycle and seed dormancy means they can be

persistent in a location over many years, even if control has been carried out in the past.