The Invasive Weeds Symposium – ****A GREAT SUCCESS****

The much anticipated Invasive Weeds Symposium, which was held at the Eden Project on Thursday 26th October, was hailed a great success by all those who attended. 185 delegates from around the UK and Ireland were welcomed to the Eden Project by Tim Smit, Eden Chief Executive.

James Paice MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Agriculture and Rural Affairs opened the Symposium with a keynote address referring to the problems associated with Invasive Weeds and the importance of joint action:

“…this Symposium – driving forward action, sharing best practice and raising awareness – is so important. Such a major showcase for projects and research which have been carried out over the past few years is essential if the most effective techniques and technologies to deal with invasive weeds are to be applied.”

Topics covered included the detailed Invasive weeds survey undertaken by the WESTCOUNTRY RIVERS TRUST on the River Camel in North Cornwall, the importance of collaborative work and the significance of “best practise” when undertaking chemical control programs.

The discussions at the end of the day opened up communication with the Horticultural industry to instigate more proactive work on attempts to stem the flow of potential invasive weeds, a review of the current policy on the sale of certain plant species and a plea for clear leadership from the relevant departments within DEFRA and the Environment Agency.

Symposium Programme