Invasive species are a major driver of biodiversity loss. They take over the habitat and disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems that have coevolved over thousands of years. They over crowd and out compete, impacting plants, insects and birds.
One of the key actions in Cratloe’s Biodiversity Action Plan 2022-2027 is the control of invasive species which had been identified as spreading into Cratloe Woods.
Many of these were around the Grotto area and it was advised that professional input would be required to eradicate the problem plants. Funding was obtained from Community Foundation Ireland who support biodiversity projects.
Following a survey by an ecologist in May 2023, a professional contractor treated the invasive plants with a carefully controlled application of herbicide or mechanical removal and shredding.
The plants treated were a large Rhododendron Ponticum and the seedlings it had spread into the woods, Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus Rotundifolia) that had grown into trees flowered and set seeds, Montbretia (Crocosmia crocosmiiflora) that was invading the woodland edge and pushing out all other plants, Himalayan honeysuckle or Pheasant Berry (Leycesteria formosa) that was forming thickets at the woodland edge and Wilsons honeysuckle ( Lonicera nitida) which had also crept out into the woodland forming thickets. Small quantities of Spanish bluebells and three cornered leeks ( which are often mistaken for Wild Garlic) were removed before either of these species, both of which are controlled by EU legislation, could establish themselves.
Winter Heliotrope ( Petasites pyreniacus) which was growing along the road verge on the Well Road was also treated.
In September 2023 the effect of treatment was assessed and the contractor is returning in March 2024 to followup with further treatment. Invasive species need to be monitored for at least three years with followup treatment to eradicate them. Further funding will be needed for follow up.
Cratloe is the first community in Clare to undertake a planned removal of several invasive species from one area and we were included as an example in an invasive species control training scheme run by CLDC in July 2023.