Somerset Wildlife Trust appeal to tackle invasive plants

The charity is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s largest match-funding initiative.

Invasive species, such as Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed, are a significant cause of global biodiversity loss and are linked to 60 per cent of plant and animal extinctions.

In Somerset, the presence of these plants has increased by 260 per cent over the past 30 years, exacerbated by the UK's changing climate.

Himalayan balsam (Image: Ben Neenan) The wildlife trust explains that these non-native plants, introduced through human activities, regularly outcompete native species, disrupting natural ecosystems.

Their rapid growth deprives native plants of space, light, and resources, impacting the survival of native mammals, insects, and other wildlife.

The Somerset Wildlife Trust plans to raise funds to manage these invasive plants on its nature reserves.

Donations made between December 3 and December 10 will be matched, thanks to generous pledges from supporters, including the Reed Foundation.

The charity is asking for public donations to help reach its £20,000 target.

This will support the management of invasive plants across its 66 nature reserves.

Invasive species have been identified as one of the top threats to nature reserves in the UK.

Rachael Fickweiler from Somerset Wildlife Trust (Image: Somerset Wildlife Trust) Rachael Fickweiler, head of nature reserves and land management at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: "Over 2,000 non-native plant and animal species have been introduced to the UK over the years, and while many of these have integrated with our habitats without damaging them, certain species thrive in our climate and can start to dominate our natural spaces.

"Due to how quickly these invasive species spread, they threaten the survival of native plants and animals, damage our natural ecosystems, and are estimated to cost the economy nearly £2 billion a year.

"It is vital that we control the spread of non-native invasive plants on our reserves in order to give precious and often vulnerable native species the space they need to survive."

The trust dedicates significant time and money each year to managing the spread of invasive species.

This includes common plants like Himalayan balsam, which spreads quickly along rivers and is difficult to remove; and Japanese knotweed, which re-emerges even after being removed and requires specialist contractors and tools to eradicate.

Ms Fickweiler added: "We need specialist contractors, skills, and equipment to support our team and properly address the spread of these species and help maintain the delicate ecosystems we have worked so hard to maintain — and that means asking for the public’s support to help us raise the vital funds we need to carry out this complex but absolutely critical work.

"That's why we’re asking for your help — please consider donating to our appeal today to help us protect Somerset’s native plants."