2023-24 Tales from an East Anglian Riverbank - Portfolio - Page 8
GREAT OUSE INVASIVES - BOURNE BROOK
HALTING
THE INVASION
Working with:
Cambridgeshire,
Bedfordshire and
Northamptonshire
Wildlife Trust (BCN WT)
EA Lead:
Pippa Keynes
£2,580
Total Project Value
The successful partnership between the
Environment Agency and the BCN Wildlife Trust
has meant that we are able to con}nue with the
ongoing control of Giant Hogweed on the
Bourne Brook to prevent release of sediment
into the brook over winter.
A reduc}on in the number of Giant Hogweed
plants not only reduces rural di昀昀use pollu}on
and increases biodiversity but it also reduces the
risk of harm to people from the e昀昀ects of the
plant.
The project started in 2010 and it is hoped that
with future funding this project will con}nue.
Giant Hogweed on the Bourne Brook in the early days of the project
Credit: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust
Outputs:
5.5 km of watercourse surveyed and Giant
Hogweed controlled
7 plants removed in 6 loca}ons
Outcomes:
£1,800
EA Funding
£780
Partnership Funding
Increased biodiversity
Reduced bank erosion and therefore reduced
sediment input to watercourse
Giant Hogweed on the Bourne Brook in the early days of the project showing
high number of plants
Credit: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust
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