New trends and targets for invasive weed management in 2023
As the festive season draws to a close and we enter into 2023, we have an opportunity to look forward, rather than backwards. It is an opportunity to set new goals and pave the way for fresh ideas within the Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) industry. 2023 is set to be the year of the rabbit according to the Chinese calendar and whilst the rabbit is considered to reflect longevity, peace and prosperity, most importantly, 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope.
So why should we be hopeful in 2023? PCA's Technical Managers Daniel Docking and Peter Fitzsimons, discuss what's around the corner and what's on the horizon in their latest blog...
New guidance will be released
In 2023 we hope to see the arrival of some new official guidance that should help pave the way for new opportunities. We await the much anticipated new Pesticides National Action Plan (expected this Spring) and mandatory biodiversity net gain (BNG) that comes into effect in November (National Planning Policy Framework, Natural England BNG Brochure).
Last but not least, in line with the ever-changing needs of the sector, we at the PCA will be reviewing, updating and adding new training courses (new skills = new opportunities) with an aim for these to be rolled out within 2023.
New opportunities in Invasive Non-Native Species management
Other reasons to be hopeful in 2023 are the arrival of potential new opportunities in INNS management. The principles of BNG can be applied even to humble Knotweed Management Plans (KMP) by implementing Integrated Weed/Pest Management (IWM). This allows our members to explore the options for revegetation and increasing biodiversity once an infestation has been brought back under control. If you really want to get your teeth into this subject, you could do worse than starting the year by reading the Global Biodiversity Framework produced at the end of the recent COP15 conference just days before Christmas!
Also, no longer should we consider only the “big 3” invasive plants - Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed or Himalayan Balsam - as problem plants. A catalogue of training is available to understand and develop further knowledge on other invasives such as bamboos, woody shrubs, and other invasive plants.
Canine detection, biological control and the use of drones
Research and development within the INNS sector has created new opportunities too. Canine detection dogs have become more popular using highly sensitive and trained dogs to sniff tiny fragments of Japanese knotweed. Can this be developed even further by using trained dogs to identify potential fragments left in screened material or a wider identification of other INNS plants? CABI continue to invest in research on biological control of invasive plants and their full presentation at the '2022 International Invasive Weeds Conference' will be available soon.
Across the pond, the USA has seen a rise in the use of drones for herbicide applications to crops. Whilst drone herbicidal application is currently not permitted within the UK, it’s an opportunity that could radically change INNS management along cliffs or inaccessible embankments. These and many more are a continual evolution of the INNS industry, which we will expand on within later blogs.
Much has been achieved already in the sector
Whilst 2023 is a year marked for “hope” in the INNS management sector, let’s not forget that much has been achieved already through the hard work and dedication of our PCA members and many others supporting the INNS industry. The continual improvement and progression from the initial inauguration of the PCA Invasive Weed Control Group in 2012, has seen the industry grow from strength to strength, creating an environment where professionals discuss and learn from each other.
But most importantly, creating an understanding that INNS management is achievable under the guidance of professionals...