CONTRACTORS TACKLE GIANT HOGWEED MENACE
Monday February 25, 2008
CONTRACTORS TACKLE GIANT HOGWEED MENACE
Following environmental impact assessment surveys, two invasive plant species, Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica) and Giant Hogweed (Heracleum Mantegazzianum), have been found growing along the route of the new Airdrie - Bathgate Rail Link. As these invasive species pose an environmental hazard, they must be eradicated prior to the construction of the railway later this year.
Thurlow Countryside Management Limited (TCM) has recently been contracted by Network Rail to carry out the eradication and clearance of these invasive weeds.
The programme of works will take place in six stages between now and October 2008, beginning this week (w/c 25th February 2008). These works will ensure total removal of these species in the correct plant cycle periods before construction of the Rail Link can begin.
The majority of the clearance work will take place on the current cycle path and will require a small team of skilled workers using handheld equipment such as sprays and scythes. TCM operatives will be using a range of cultural and chemical control methods, which target the plants’ life cycle to increase the effectiveness of the treatment and to achieve complete eradication within one growing season. Herbicides being used by TCM present no risk to human or animal health and as a precaution, operatives will remain on site until the herbicide is dry.
All the herbicides being used by our contractors comply with the highest safety regulations and all operatives are professionally qualified. The company is also a member of BACCS (BASIS Advanced Contractor Certification Scheme): the highest level of accreditation for spray contractors.
Network Rail is committed to minimising environmental impacts of our work and this is an essential part of preparations for the Airdrie-Bathgate Rail Link.