Residents across the Isle of Wight are being called on to help protect the area’s unique ecosystems as Invasive Species Week (12-18th May) gets underway, with special efforts being made locally to tackle the growing threat of non-native species.
Natural Enterprise, a local environmental organisation, is leading the charge with a hands-on conservation effort focused on removing Himalayan balsam from the Island’s riverbanks.
Seb Taylor, Rivers & Invasive Species Officer, is calling for volunteers to take part in summer work parties aimed at defending the Isle of Wight’s natural beauty.
He said:
“We’re incredibly lucky on the Isle of Wight to have rich biodiversity, and we want to keep it that way.
“By joining in, you’ll be helping to protect rivers, wildlife, and the places we all love to walk, explore and enjoy.”
This summer’s volunteer sessions offer a chance to get involved in environmental conservation while enjoying some of the lesser-known landscapes of the Isle of Wight. Individuals, groups, and businesses are all encouraged to take part, with previous corporate teams praised for their efforts in past years.
While the Isle of Wight remains free of invasive American mink and has seen limited presence of Giant Hogweed, other problematic species continue to threaten the local environment. Japanese knotweed, Rhododendron, and Bamboo are among the known challenges, along with Himalayan balsam which has spread along watercourses.
There is also growing concern about the Asian hornet, first seen in the UK in 2016, which poses a serious risk to honeybee populations. The Isle of Wight Beekeepers remain on high alert, but residents are encouraged to report sightings to help prevent further spread.
Invasive species cost the UK an estimated £1.7billion each year in damage to ecosystems and infrastructure. Invasive Species Week aims to raise awareness and encourage action at a community level.
Those wishing to take part or learn more can contact Seb Taylor by emailing seb.taylor@naturalenterprise.co.uk or calling 01983 296244.
Not knocking this enterprise but surely it should be done as a matter of course by the local authority or the water companies, we pay enough for their services.
They keep taking our money but do not provide
the service we pay for.
This is along the river bank next to where we live. Never seen anyone (official) going along clearing the banks in the 31 months we have lived next to the river.
Services on the island are poor.