SECONDARY SCHOOLS
The project for Secondary Schools requests information on the spread of two invasive plants, Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) and Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera).
Like Rhododendron ponticum – seen particularly in parts of north Wales – these plants were originally introduced into gardens, and without any natural predators or sufficiently vigorous competing plants in this country, have found conditions very suitable for their spread in the wild.
We are asking all secondary schools – particularly those in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion – to map any areas of Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam within 2 miles of the school.Forms will be available for down-loading, based on a form drawn up by the Botanical Society of the British Isles, who are conducting a survey of Japanese Knotweed in Cornwall. It should be emphasised (particularly to the children) that a negative result is as valuable as a positive record.