Good morning everyone,
From: Matthew Tebbutt
Hi Roy
Please find attached PowerPoint with refs and links used in the presentation.
What can our community do to manage Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed? that would be great
In the short term, Survey for the target species and submit records to me
Next week I will create a catchment map for Amroth/Llanteg and pass on to you what records we have so far for balsam and knotweed.
In the medium term, once we have a better understanding of extent and source areas of balsam we could look to gain some permissions for community led control, the project will assist in permissions, strategy and if I have budget maybe a contractor.
If that’s something the community is interested in? For the Stitch project to fund work outside the project catchments we need to ensure any effort is focused on strategic areas and a commitment from the community to the lead in control and monitoring. I will also need to justify any resource/effort in a catchment context so records and mapping is a key start.
You members are welcome to join me on work parties at other sites such as in Castlemartin corse next season.
On the night of the talk I spoke to 2 ladies, one regarding Montbrecia in a woodland (Hean estate) near Sardis, and another on Himalayan balsam in Amroth/Llanteg. Could you ask them to get in touch, no rush. Sorry I forgot their names.
There may be grants out there (external, not Stitch in time/National Park) to assist communities in biodiversity projects which may include INNS work. I will keep an ear out.
I will get in touch towards the end of next week.
Cheers
Mat