After five years of dedicated invasive species management, Caroline from Green Hive has made a crucial discovery in our ongoing battle against Himalayan balsam along the Nairn River. During her most recent survey, Caroline uncovered the upstream source of this invasive plant, marking a significant turning point in our efforts to control and eventually eradicate it from the area.
The Invasive Challenge
Himalayan balsam, though beautiful, is a fast-spreading invasive species that poses a serious threat to local ecosystems. It dominates riverbanks and wetlands, outcompeting native plants and reducing biodiversity. For five years, Green Hive’s volunteers have been hard at work clearing Himalayan balsam from the riverbanks in Nairn, but the persistent reappearance of the plant has made the fight feel endless. This recent discovery could change that.
The Source Revealed
Caroline’s breakthrough came after years of careful observation and surveys. She traced the re-emergence of the plant upstream, eventually locating the source where the balsam had been thriving unnoticed. This discovery is key, as it reveals that the plant has been reseeding itself from this upstream location, continuously undoing the hard work of our team downstream.
The Importance of Top-Down Control
With this new knowledge, we can now implement a top-down control strategy, addressing the problem at its source. By starting at the upstream location and working downstream, we can more effectively reduce the spread of Himalayan balsam along the river, preventing the plant from recolonising areas where it has already been cleared. This approach gives us a much stronger chance of moving toward long-term eradication.
A Path Forward
While this discovery is a significant step forward, the journey to fully eradicate Himalayan balsam from the Nairn River is still ongoing. Green Hive’s dedicated volunteers and staff will continue to work tirelessly to implement this top-down control strategy, but the effort will take time and continued community support.
This moment serves as a reminder of the importance of persistence in conservation work. Caroline’s discovery wouldn’t have been possible without the ongoing dedication of everyone involved in our invasive species management project. Together, we’re moving closer to our goal of restoring balance to the Nairn River’s ecosystem.
We want to extend a huge thank you to all our volunteers and supporters who have been part of this journey so far. With this new direction, we’re more hopeful than ever that we can protect our local environment for future generations.
Stay tuned for more updates on our progress, and if you’d like to get involved in Green Hive’s conservation efforts, we’d love to have you join us!
Recognising Key Collaborations and Contributions
The progress in eradicating Himalayan Balsam (HB) from the Nairn region is a testament to the collective efforts of various individuals and organisations. While Green Hive has played a significant role in advancing the control of invasive non-native species (INNS), it is important to highlight the groundwork laid by the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI) and The Findhorn, Nairn, and Lossie Rivers Trust (FNLRT).
The original source of the HB was first identified by John Parrott (Coille Alba) during an invasive species control project, supported by WREN landfill tax funding from 2014 to 2016. His team conducted extensive control efforts along the Cantrydoune Burn, collaborating with local estates such as Cawdor, Kilravock, and Geddes, which had already implemented their own control programmes. In addition to HB, they tackled Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed through a source-down approach.
The FNLRT, which has been involved in INNS control for over 12 years, began their efforts with a modest £5,000 grant from the Rivers and Trusts Association Scotland (RAFTS), focusing on dense infestations of Giant Hogweed on the Mosset with the help of local volunteers. Their deliberate efforts to address the worst affected areas, including within Forres, helped galvanise the local community to take action. A noticeable reduction in infestations was achieved within a few years, allowing the programme to expand to other rivers, supported by funders such as the Postcode Lottery, Landfill Tax, and Tesco.
The creation of SISI in 2017 marked a turning point, offering a large-scale, well-funded approach to INNS control. Community engagement became central, with local volunteers, farmers, and landowners collaborating on sustainable control measures. Green Hive’s involvement in this initiative, particularly through Caroline Woods' leadership, has been instrumental in organising regular volunteer work parties targeting Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, and Himalayan Balsam. Caroline and many of the volunteers have also received PA1/6 "Safe Application of Herbicides" qualifications through SISI funding, further strengthening our community’s capacity to combat INNS.
While Green Hive’s article celebrates recent successes, it is important to acknowledge the critical support and contributions of SISI and FNLRT. The site visit to Cantrydoune Burn and the photography featured in the article were coordinated by Gareth Meadows, a SISI Project Officer, highlighting the collaborative nature of this ongoing effort.
Green Hive’s partnership with SISI has been highlighted in SISI’s most recent newsletter, underscoring the importance of this strong and supportive relationship. As we move forward, we remain committed to working closely with SISI, FNLRT, and local volunteers to build on our shared achievements.
Together, we’re making a difference!
Well done Caroline for your years of hard work, thank you