Invasive Species

SuirCan is involved in mapping & controlling 3 Invasive Plant Species on the River Suir

Also check out our Facebook page with more up to date information “RiverSuirProject”

Giant Hogweed

Giant hogweed poses a threat to human health due to production of a hazardous sap that can cause severe burns and scarring by sensitising the skin to light (UV radiation). Its large surface area means it shades out native species and its high volume of seed production means it easily propagates. The species can also increase soil erosion along river banks.

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‍How to Identify

https://invasives.ie/app/uploads/2022/01/Giant-Hogweed.pdf

https://www.limerick.ie/sites/default/files/media/documents/2020-04/distinguish-giant-hogweed-from-other-plants.pdf

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Himalayan Balsam

Outcompetes native species by forming dense stands. Can raise the risk of flooding as large stands can impede the flow of a waterbody.

Seeds are easily spread by both wind and water, making it easy to colonise areas further downstream.

During the winter the plant dies back, leaving river banks vulnerable to erosion.

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How to Identify

https://invasives.ie/app/uploads/2022/01/Himalayan-Balsam_PRINT.pdf

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Japanese Knotweed

Outcompetes native species.

The species can increase soil erosion especially along river banks.

May cause structural damage to property and can be very costly to remove.

Propagates (reproduce) easily so can colonise an area in a relatively short time.

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How to Identify

https://invasives.ie/app/uploads/2022/01/Japanese-Knotweedv1.1.pdf

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• In 2017 with assistance from the Local Authority Waters Program (LAWPRO) SuirCan started a program to control Giant Hogweed on Suir Island in Clonmel, we do not use chemicals, but manual methods to remove the plants.
  https://lawaters.ie/
  ‍Control of the weed is ongoing and while not eliminated there are only a few plants to remove every year.

• SuirCan volunteers are now controlling Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam at 4 locations in the Clonmel area, these actions have been logged on the Biodiversity Ireland Website for Invasives: https://invasives.ie/log-your-actions/ and can be viewed along with actions by other groups.
• If you are interested in assisting or learning more please e-mail: riversuirproject@gmail.com

Giant Hogweed removal starts in March & April each year and Himalayan Balsam in June, July & August

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• In 2022, 2023, 2025 and (hopefully) in 2025 LAWPRO funded a “citizen science” program to try and map invasive plant species along the River Suir
• The Map illustrates areas that have been mapped and concentrations of the 3 plants of interest
• Only a portion of the river has so far been mapped
• Results have been logged in Biodiversity Ireland Database https://maps.biodiversityireland.ie/Map/Terrestrial/Species/29131

• If you are interested in becoming a citizen scientist and assisting with this program in 2025 please E-mail riversuirproject@gmail.com
• Mapping takes place during the summer months
• Training on identification and mapping can be given on site to groups upon request

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