Invasive Species Monitoring and Control
We are seeing a growing issue with non-native invasive species in our area, particularly Himalayan Balsam and some Japanese Knotweed. Giant Hogweed—which is highly invasive and can cause serious skin burns, was previously identified near Avoch Industrial Estate in 2018 and has since been removed.

Himalayan Balsam has now established dense stands across various sites. These thick patches:

• Outcompete native plants and reduce biodiversity.
• Dominate riverbanks, and when the plants die back in winter, their shallow root systems offer little soil stability, leading to erosion.
• Impede water flow during heavy rainfall, increasing flood risk.

Encouragingly, balsam seeds only persist in soil for around 18 months, so with 2–3 years of consistent control, it is possible to eliminate local populations and allow native vegetation to return. However, to succeed, control efforts must start upstream—otherwise, seeds will simply drift downriver and re-establish new infestations.

We are encouraging two types of action:

• “Park Up 'n Pull ’Em” Sessions – where individuals or families can help pull balsam during the right season (typically late spring to early summer). A map will be provided to highlight known infestation zones.
• Organised team blitzes – coordinated community events for more intensive efforts.

Japanese Knotweed remains a concern in some areas and should only be tackled with guidance from trained professionals, as incorrect removal can worsen the problem.

Mink have also been spotted in the past. We need volunteers to help monitor sightings. If you're interested, please contact us at avochnature@gmail.com or the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative to find out how you can get involved.