Himalyan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed in UK. Pros and cons? (1 Viewer)

S

stephen dewar

Member

• Jan 23, 2008

• #1

Hi all. can i get some views please on the spread of the non-native Himalyan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed plants. At present both are doing very well on smaller river edges in many areas around where i live. Is it benefiial for any birds in particular and detrimental to others?

Thanks all

Stephen

 

Capercaillie71

Well-known member

• Jan 23, 2008

• #2

I'm not aware of any birds known to benefit from these species. I suppose some birds might nest in them, but it is almost certainly the case that any native vegetation that is smothered by either of these two plants would have provided a better habitat, certainly in terms of invertebrate diversity/ food chains etc.

There is some info on Japanese Knotweed here:

http://www.netregs.gov.uk/netregs/processes/367836/

which includes the sentence: "Although Japanese Knotweed is not toxic to humans, animals or other plants, it offers a poor habitat for native insects, birds and mammals. "

 

KnockerNorton

Well-known member

• Jan 23, 2008

• #3

con con con.

 

Farnboro John

Well-known member

• Jan 23, 2008

• #4

Japanese Knotweed in particular caused me heartache when on-site shouted directions to the Cornwall Yellow-throated Vireo simply said it was in the Japanese Knotweed and I didn't know what that was so couldn't get on it. Burn the country clean of it!

PS I did see it a minute later.

John

 

TomSmith

Well-known member

• Jan 23, 2008

• #5

Con: it stinks to high heaven!