Control of Alien Plants

Because shingle structures are usually 'open habitats', it is easy for alien species to invade and establish in those areas where the abiotic environment is less harsh. This is particularly the case on the south and east coasts where houses and gardens abut the shingle, often resulting in enrichment of the habitat and the spread of non-native garden species. This can often be a sensitive issue as local people enjoy the showy species and some such plants can be particularly important for invertebrate species, e.g. red valerian Centranthus ruber.

At Pagham LNR (Annex 03) there are plans, in conjunction with English Nature, to determine the most effective way of controlling a particular alien species by establishing trial plots / quadrats be treated in a variety of ways, including hand pulling, herbicide treatment and incineration. As the work will be carried out adjacent to houses, awareness-raising among the local residents about the necessity for selective vegetation control will form a fundamental part of the project.