(Weir Farm NHS)
Japanese barberry has covered the ground layer in this area of Weir Farm.
Invasive plant species, species that spread beyond a desired area having a harmful impact on the ecosystem, pose a gowing threat towards the natural flora of national parks. Lack of disease and natural predators allow these species to thrive, especially in disturbed habitats such as roadways. At Weir Farm NHS we are concerned with preserving the historical integrity of the property, specifically the natural landscape.
Numerous management projects have been started to erradicate these invaders. Mechanical removal of plants is primarily done (hand pulling and use of weed wrenches) so as to impact the surrounding vegetation as little as possible. Roadsides are a prime location of invasives and these areas are frequently monitored and removal projects are done accordingly. There are also some well established invasive populations on the property and removals are done regularly, focusing on the outskirts of the infestation so as to try to stop further spreading throughout the park.
