Warning! Invasive Non-Native Plant Species in Husthwaite
Last year we had a preliminary audit done of biodiversity in and around the village. The report, by Wold Ecology, has highlighted the presence of three non-native invasive species: Montbretia, Himalayan balsam and variegated yellow archangel . These plants are all listed in schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and under that Act it is an offence to plant these or otherwise allow them to grow in the wild (so if they are in your garden that is fine but you cannot allow them to spread).
The Parish Council is looking into how we can tackle these plants where they are alongside public footpaths – for example, there is Himalayan Balsam along Ings Beck and some Yellow Archangel along Beacon Banks. The Parish Council would also encourage all residents to identify whether they have any of these in their garden (photos below) and take all necessary steps to keep them contained. More information can be found on each of these species on www.nonnativespecies.org
Pictures of the plants here: Invasive species