War on invasive species in Waterford to be in focus at Friday event
Ardmore Tidy Towns will host Dr Fran Giaquinto and Phoebe O'Brien for the launch of their new book, Identification Guide to the Non-Native Invasive Plants of Britain and Ireland, on Friday, May 16, during Invasive Species Week.
The launch takes place from 12pm to 3pm in the Round Tower Hotel, which includes a fieldtrip to local habitats. The event is free to attend, and all are welcome.
The afternoon will be filled with informative chats about the pressures of invasive plant species on Ireland's native flora, an insight into identification and an exploration of the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread.
Following the launch, attendees will take a trip through the habitats of the village with both experts, as they point out several species which are of concern in Ireland, whilst also highlighting the important habitats that occur within this area that sits alongside the Ardmore Head Special Area of Conservation.
Cllr Declan Barry recently raised the issue of invasive species at Waterford Council. He said a person reported the growth of Japanese knotweed. Cllr Barry asked management how prevalent the weed is in Waterford, as it has started to encroach from public on to private land.
Marina Mulligan, Waterford City and County Council's biodiversity officer, said: 'It is a privilege to have both experts working in Ardmore over the summer for what will undoubtedly be two impactful projects for the area – it is great to see the local community of Ardmore taking this initiative which will provide valuable information towards monitoring habitats at a county level.
'The impacts of invasive plants on natural habitats can be devastating as they outcompete native species. Due to their ability to spread quickly across an area, they can also reduce the diversity of plant life found within a habitat by reducing light and changing soil nutrients.
'This has knock-on consequences for insects, mammals, fish and birds who depend on certain plants for food, laying eggs or nesting. People may be aware of Japanese knotweed and rhododendron but may not be aware of many other species like three-cornered leek, American skunk cabbage and Nuttall's waterweed.'
Over the coming months, both botanists will be working closely with the local community on two significant biodiversity projects for the area. The event is supported by Waterford City and County Council, the Heritage Council and the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
The first will survey the flora of the Ardmore Cliff Walk funded under the NPWS Peatlands and Natura 2000 Community Engagement Fund, and the second will involve carrying out habitat surveys to produce a Community Biodiversity Action Plan for the village under Community Foundation Ireland's Biodiversity Fund.
The schedule for Friday's event is as follows.
12pm – 12.10pm Welcome and introduction to the event with Marina Mulligan, WCCC biodiversity officer
12.10pm – 1pm Book launch and conversation with Dr Fran Giaquinto and Phoebe O'Brien
1pm – 1.20pm Invasive Species Recording with Kate Moore, National Biodiversity Data Centre
1.30 – 3pm Fieldtrip: Discover the species and habitats of Ardmore with Dr. Fran Giaquinto, Phoebe O'Brien and Ardmore Tidy Town Committee.
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