Certain species of non-native plants, notably Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed are making rapid encroachments on parts of the Tay system, as in many other Scottish rivers. These species are aggressive and spread rapidly, crowding out native plant species and have a general detrimental effect on river ecology. Knotweed in particular is not easy to control. Before, these species become even more dominant than they currently are, management is urgently required.
A survey in the Tay district conducted for the Tay Foundation in 2006 showed the extent of the problem (which has even grown since then) and showed where priority areas for work should be. (Report available here)
The Tay Foundation has since become a partner in a national project led by RAFTS and partly funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation to control and eradicate invasive plant species.
Bailiff staff of the Tay District Salmon Fisheries Board and some local volunteers have been trained and equiped for spraying invasive plants.
A major effort was launched on the River Earn in 2010 to control Japanese knotweed. Large sections of riverbank were sprayed between Aberuthven and Crieff.
It is intended this will be expanded considerably in 2011.
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