Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 28 March 2024 18:53
Renfrewshire Council’s new Environmental Community Taskforce will see volunteers work alongside the Council’s Biodiversity Officers as part of the Restoring Renfrewshire’s Rivers project, to help tackle the damaging effects of non-native plants on riverbanks.
The Council secured £350k funding from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund to deliver the Restoring Renfrewshire’s Rivers project.
The project is focused on removing five species: Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Rhododendron, Himalayan Balsam and American Skunk Cabbage from riverbank locations across Renfrewshire. The planned sites are Calder Burn, Dargavel Burn, Locher Water, Old Patrick Water and Sergeant Law Burn.
The five identified species grow alongside our watercourses, producing an abundance of seeds which spread by wind and water. They are large and fast-growing and can easily dominate the riverbanks, replacing species-rich, native plants. These non-native plants die back each winter, exposing the riverbank soil and increasing the flood risk, as well as releasing carbon into the atmosphere.
Restoring these riverbanks will help ensure Renfrewshire has well-connected, nature rich habitats for wildlife and pollinating insects in the future.
Those interested in volunteering will participate in a specialist certified training course, to ensure they have the knowledge, skills and qualifications to help protect, identify and properly remove the invasive non-native plants. Volunteers will then be provided with the appropriate PPE and tools before visiting the selected sites with Council officers to carry out the necessary work.
Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board, Councillor Michelle Campbell said: “We want to empower local people to play an active role in improving their local environment and the Restoring Renfrewshire’s Rivers project offers the perfect chance for local people to get involved, while offering opportunities for green upskilling.
“This project aligns with our wider ambitions for Net Zero by helping to reduce carbon emissions, reduce soil erosion and make our riverbanks more resilient against flooding. It will also help to protect, restore and enhance existing plant and wildlife habitats.
“I know how passionate local people are about protecting their local environment. I’d encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch and get involved and collectively we can make a real positive difference to these areas.”
Volunteers are being sought to cover the whole growing season of April – October. There will be multiple opportunities for interested individuals to undergo training throughout this period. Volunteer participation in the project is flexible and is designed to work around people’s wider commitments so volunteers will be able to join in when they are able.
Those interested in volunteering to participate in the project should contact the team via the dedicated mailbox RestoringRenfrewshiresRivers@renfrewshire.gov.uk, and by joining the Team Up to Clean Up Facebook Group.
Those looking for more information on the project should visit the Renfrewshire Council website www.renfrewshire.gov.uk and search for ‘Restoring Renfrewshire’s Rivers.’
A spectacular multimedia show celebrating Vincent van Gogh's life and stunning artworks is coming to Glasgow this summer!
READ MORENational Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORETouring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MOREThe first opening road bridge across the River Clyde is a step closer to completion as the first section of the Renfrew Bridge has arrived in Renfrewshire.
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MOREWith a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MORERunners in Renfrewshire are set to benefit from a new running track at the On-X Sports Centre in Linwood after a contract was approved by councillors.
READ MOREACCORD Hospice is pleased to announce the return of its annual art exhibition to The Art Department in Paisley between the 26th of April and 10th May.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MOREDuring the Easter holidays, hundreds of kids across Renfrewshire have enjoyed free school holiday activity camps.
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREThe Paisley 10k and Fun Run will see thousands taking to the streets when the event returns to the town on Sunday 18th August, 2024.
READ MOREEnvironmentally conscious individuals are being asked to volunteer for a new community taskforce to help protect Renfrewshire's rich riverbank habitats.
READ MOREPaisley's Spring Farmyard Trail is coming to Paisley town centre from Friday the 29th of March until Monday 15th of April.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MORERenfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost's Community Awards.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREPaisley's Learning and Cultural Hub has won a national award. The new home for Paisley Central Library won the physical category at the EDGE Awards.
READ MOREThe Easter weekend is going to be eggs-tra special at Cardwell Garden Centre this year.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREA host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MOREGroups connected with the refurbishment of Paisley Museum are celebrating today after picking up an honour at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"