An Invasive Plant.

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 I did one of my regular inspections of the Tarn Sike Reserve that I help to look after. I noticed a re - emergence of some invasive michaelmas daisies that we tried to get rid of last year.




This is a case of a pretty flower in the "wrong" place. This flower is not a native wildflower but is an escapee from gardens. The nature reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and this plant does not fit with the profile of the location. Received wisdom is that the plant should be eradicated, however the bureaucracy demands that we obtain the permission of the Environment Agency before we do so. I have reported it and will now have to wait while the wheels of the system turn! There are a number of "invasive species" that are a problem here. River banks are especially susceptible because seeds get carried downstream to for a colony  to form downstream. Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed are two such problem plants.

Diary
Fox on the trail cams last night. The tawny owl was back in the orchard this morning. I have lots of photographs of this but couldn't turn down the opportunity of another. Isn't the camouflage great!

On the way back from Tarn Sike I called in to see a friend who has both swallows and house martins on his house and the house martins are rearing a second brood so I have some photos from there too.








Comments

  1. werdnauk11 September 2021 at 17:55

    Really enjoy your blog. So much information leavened with subtle wit and perceptive comment which sets your daily observations in a wide context. Had not realised that Michaelmas Daises were a countryside problem on a par with Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed. The Tawny Owl photo is great. Sent the photo to Ed and Rosie as Harriet can spot paintings of an owl on the wall of a cafe in Charlton. She points and says 'Ooowl' with great gusto - her favourite bird......

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