Links related to Dumfries & Galloway
New approach to tackling Fringed Water Lily at Mill Loch Lochmaben
SNH and Lochmaben Community adopt new approach to tackling the invasive fringed water lily
Over the last 10 years SNH and the Lochmaben and District Community Initiative (LDCI) have been working together to try and tackle the ongoing problem of the
non-native, invasive fringed water lily on the Mill Loch, Lochmaben. To
date there has been little real success in gaining effective control
over the plant and it has continued to spread into new areas of the
loch. It is predicted that if effective control is not achieved, the
lily could eventually cover about 25% of the loch surface and have a
serious impact on its natural heritage interests.
This year, a new approach is to be adopted which it is hoped will begin
to make a difference. Until now, the herbicide glyphosate has been used
to try and control the plant but this year a trial using a chemical
called dichlobenil will be undertaken to see if it is more effective.
As it is a more powerful chemical it has raised the concerns of all
involved. The decision to trial dichlobenil is based on advice received
from the Centre for Aquatic Plant Management (CAPM) and our own
internal advisors.
The use of chemicals in water bodies, especially on designated sites
has to be carefully assessed, but the alternative (25% lily coverage of
the loch) is deemed unacceptable. We have an opportunity of
returning the loch to its former status which s the ultimate aim of
this work.
We are very please with efforts of the community and the working
relationship we have built up with them over the years. We are really
hoping to make progress this year as this would be a just reward
for all the hard work put by those involved.
If you would like to know more about the project, please contact the SNH Dumfries Office or the LDCI directly. .
CONTACT DETAILS |
||
| Barry Dunne Scottish Natural Heritage Carmont House The Crichton Bankend Road Dumfries DG1 4ZF Tel: 01387 247010 Email: barry.dunne@snh.gov.uk |
Lochmaben & District Community Initiative |
|
