Using a Catchment Based Approach to Manage Non-Native Invasive Species
Background
Groundwork Greater Manchester is the host organisation for the Irwell Catchment Partnership. Within this role we work with partners to develop and deliver projects which improve water quality, reduce flood risk and manage water as an important natural resource.
The partnership has recently helped Bradshaw Fly Fishers to secure more funding to continue their work treating invasive non-native species (INNS) along Bradshaw Brook in Bolton.
About Japanese Knotweed
Japanese Knotweed is a fast-growing invasive non-native species which outcompetes our native species, dominating the river bank and reducing biodiversity. The plants dies back in the winter, leaving the riverbanks barren and liable to flooding and erosion.
Japanese Knotweed has been slowly spreading along Bradshaw Brook, however Bradshaw Fly Fishers have spent the past 3 years managing the problem.
I fish all around the country and got tired of the worsening INNS infestations on the Irwell Catchment and the lack of any coordinated catchment-based approach to treat the INNS, starting from the furthest upstream area
Bradshaw Fly Fishers – Treating the non-native species
Bradshaw Fly Fishers first applied for funding from The Angling Trust in 2022 after noticing how bad the spread of invasive species had become. A dedicated team of volunteers were supported to gain certification and training to spray Japanese Knotweed.
For the past 3 years, a dedicated team of 10 volunteers from Bradshaw Fly Fishers have met throughout the autumn months to spray and inject the plants.
In 2023, Groundwork helped the group secure a £7,000 grant from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority as part of the Natural Course programme, allowing them to continue their treatment work for another year.
Treating other invasive non-native species – Himalayan Balsam
In 2024, Groundwork assisted Bradshaw Fly Fishers to obtain a £3,000 grant from the Irwell Catchment Partnership to start treating Himalayan Balsam too, another river loving INNS.
The volunteers have been out extensively over the Summer months to spray the plants, and have also been joined by local community groups to do balsam bashes along the Brook.
Bradshaw Fly Fishers have already seen what a difference the action is making, and hopes that with their continued efforts, there will be a significant decline in these invasive species growing along Bradshaw Brook in the coming years, with a return of native fauna and flora.
