Pale Galingale (Cyperus eragrostis) & Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense) eradication in Central London Funded by:Hosted by:

Outline Introduction Risk Planning Risk Analysis Species Introductions Early detection Rapid response / treatment Outcomes Next steps

Introduction – Risk Planning London specific Species of Concern List –schedule 9 and WFD tag species –consulted experts, land managers etc –species specific/unique to London not covered elsewhere Evaluated: –which species are locally important –which species would need to coordinate management for –which need more evidence –possible quick wins –valuable learning experience

Research into species information, habitat requirements etc Discussion with land managers and others with experience of this species Consideration of global context e.g. New Zealand actively eradicates and monitors its 70 Johnson Grass sites. Consideration of precautionary principle Consideration of cost analysis of management Risk Analysis

perennial tufted herb grows 25-90cm high produces many inflorescences (or seed heads) and rhizomes recorded flowering in December Pale Galingale seed head P ale Galingale (Cyperus eragrostis):

Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense) coarse erect tufted perennial grass leaf blades cm long and flat; approximately 1-2 cm wide; and usually hairy. prominent white mid-vein at maturity fibrous roots with rhizomes up to 1m long, able to grow from nodes Johnson Grass: Showing distinct white mid-vein

Copyright Bobby Hattaway 2011

large quantities of viable seed and rhizomes, so can establish and spread effective seeds dispersal - commercially available bird seed mixes and via wind / water pioneer species - outcompetes ‘hardy’ species (e.g. Carex pendula) environmental concern in other countries prefers river corridors e.g. damp / wet nutrient rich soils and can quickly create monocultures utilises ‘urban niches’ (e.g. concrete cracks and soil in typical ‘hard surface’ areas) Pale Galingale (Cyperus eragrostis): Reproducing via rhizomes

Johnson Grass (Sorghum halepense): Spread by seeds (80,000 p/plant) and rhizomes Tolerant of different habitats and disturbances outcompetes to creates monocultures contaminates grain and sorghum crops (50% yield losses) costs USA millions of dollars annually can develop new ecotypes which are herbicide tolerant poisonous to stock if plant stressed Reproducing via rhizomes

Early detection Existing monitoring champions Existing network with the Local Record Centre (GiGL) Links with the Natural History Museum (and therefore industry leaders), county recorder and other Local Action Groups

Rapid Response Locate species Discussed with other land managers etc possible treatment options Gained access to the land and treated Monitor and record Treat, record, analyse, review – repeat

Treatment

Pale galingale monoculture along Regents Canal Treatment

Outcomes managed of priority species – quick wins Establish process to complete on-ground works Demonstrates that rapid action is possible Useful for securing additional funds Produced case studies on those species for distribution Provided a ‘start to finish’ example of collecting total species management data sets Shows the value of partnership working Achieve outcomes of the London Invasive Species Plan Practical use of the precautionary principle

Next Steps Continue monitoring and removal works Analyze data collected Raise awareness – particularly in high risk areas Replicate process to other species And thanks to: Canal and Rivers Trust Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Environment Agency Greenspace Information for Greater London (GIGL) Natural History Museum / London Natural History Society Zoological Society of London