Controlling Priority Invasive
 Non-Native Plants and Restoring Native Biodiversity

The Heritage Council – Events

Invasive Species Ireland

We are pleased to invite you to the launch of the
 Controlling priority invasive
non-native plants and restoring native biodiversity (CIRB) project
Funded by the European Regional Development Fund
At the Great Hall, Queen’s University Belfast on Tuesday 1st February 2011
Start time: 11.00am

RSVP to Cathy Maguire on c.m.maguire@qub.ac.uk by 28th January

The event will last 1 hour and refreshments will be served.

The CIRB project (Controlling invasive priority non-native species and restoring native biodiversity) is funded by INTERREG IVA and is being undertaken by a partnership of Queens University Belfast, the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland, University of Ulster and Inland Fisheries Ireland. 

The project aims to demonstrate that a prioritised suite of invasive species namely, giant hogweed, rhododendron, Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam can be controlled or eradicated strategically on a catchment scale. Biosecurity strategies will be developed and implemented to prevent reintroduction of these species to the catchments. The impact of these species and the control programme on ecosystem services will also be investigated and the economic benefits of control programmes demonstrated. 

CIRB will contribute to halting biodiversity loss in Ireland, Northern Ireland and western Scotland by preventing further impacts on native biodiversity by riparian invasive species through the development and demonstration of effective control methods, a programme of stakeholder engagement, research, policy development and dissemination.

The project will take place in three catchments in the border regions of Ireland (Faughan, Newry/Clanrye and Dee/Glyde) and 4 areas in Scotland (Argyll, Ayrshire, Galloway and the Tweed).