Biodiversity Northern Ireland

Invasive Species tackled at Somerset Park, Coleraine

A Japanese Knotweed problem on a grand scale is being tackled at Somerset Park near Coleraine.  The Lower Bann Advisory Committee surveyed the site and secured funding for Coleraine Borough Council to implement long term control measures.  The knotweed covers two sides of a public footpath along the banks of the Lower Bann River.  The knotweed was totally out competing native river bank and wetland species and in places was making it difficult for people to walk along the path. 

 The knotweed has been sprayed twice now and this has made a noticeable difference, but monitoring and several more treatments, over the coming few years may be necessary to eradicate the weed totally.  The treated areas can look rather bare initially, but it is anticipated that these will soon colonise with native species which are much more advantageous to local flora and fauna.  The partnership approach to delivering for biodiversity is working on the banks of the Bann.