HomeMy WebLinkAbout2560463 - F.I. Received Doc. - Invasive Species Survey Report
Ronan Boyd
Tullynahinnera,
Castleblaney
County Monaghan
Invasive Species Survey Report
RECEIVED: 16/04/2026
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Client: Ronan Boyd
Site Location: Tullynahinnera, Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan
Project Ref: Tullynahinnera Invasive Species Report
Report nature: Invasive Species Report
Date: 13th February 2026
Prepared by:
Peter McCormick
Senior Ecologist
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Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Scope ..................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Survey Area Description ........................................................................................................ 1
2 METHODOLOGY .............................................................................................................................. 2
2.1 Invasive Species List ............................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 2
3 RESULTS........................................................................................................................................... 1
3.1 Survey Results ......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.2 Limitations ............................................................................................................................. 1
3.3 Habitats Present .................................................................................................................... 1
3.4 Recommendations .................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.4.1 Japanese Knotweed Reynoutria japonica ......................................................................... 2
4 CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................................. 3
Appendix 1: Photos of Japanese Knotweed on site ................................................................................ 4
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Appendix 3 Third Schedule list ................................................................................................................ 8
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope
ESC Environmental Ltd were commissioned by Ronan Boyd to carry out an
invasive species survey for the site at Tullynahinnera, Castleblaney, Co.
Monaghan. The location was surveyed for the presence of invasive species
(as listed in the Third Schedule of S.I. No. 477 of 2011, EC (Birds and Natural
Habitats) Regulations 2011).
1.2 Survey Area Description
The site is located at Tullynahinnera, Castleblaney, Co. Monaghan at Grid Ref
(ITM): 678812, 815551. The site is currently a habitat of Improved
Agricultural Grassland (GA1), Recolonising bare ground (ED3), Wet Grassland
(GS4), with some areas of Scrub (WS1) dominated by gorse (Ulex europaeus)
classified according to “A Guide to Habitats in Ireland by Fossitt (2000). The
dominant habitat in the surrounding area is Improved Agricultural Grassland
(GA1) and the site is bounded by Treelines (WL2) and Hedgerows (WL1). The
site area is shown in red below in figure 1.
Figure 1: Tullynahinnera Survey Location
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2 METHODOLOGY
2.1 Invasive Species List
Each area was surveyed in detail by Mr. Peter McCormick, Senior Ecologist at
ESC Environmental Ltd, to determine the presence of non -native species
included in the Third Schedule of S.I. No. 477 of 2011, EC (Birds and Natural
Habitats) Regulations 2011. (Please refer to Appendix 3).
2.2 Methodology
The green areas and the direct surroundings were surveyed by a walk over on
the 4th of Febuary 2026. The area was inspected to identify any invasive
species. Where non-native invasive species were identified, the distribution
of the species was mapped.
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Figure 2: Tullynahinnera Site Survey results RECEIVED: 16/04/2026
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3 RESULTS
The site was fully surveyed, and all green areas were covered as part of this
survey. The area was scanned for the presence of invasive plant species.
Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) stands were noted along the west of
the site near the possible drainage ditch and along either side of the road
going through the site. There were 10 separate stands of Japanese Knotweed
noted in total throughout the site.
3.1 Limitations
Due to the survey taking place in the winter period when Japanese Knotweed
is known to die back, identification of the species was difficult for some areas.
The main method of identification for the species was by the dark bamboo
like stems which were found in multiple areas of the site. These were distinct
from other plants in the area.
3.2 Habitats Present
The habitats present were classified using A Guide to Habitats in Ireland by
Julie A. Fossitt.
The site is currently a habitat of Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1),
Recolonising bare ground (ED3), Wet Grassland (GS4), with some areas of
Scrub (WS1) dominated by gorse (Ulex europaeus) classified according to “A
Guide to Habitats in Ireland by Fossitt (2000). The dominant habitat in the
surrounding area is Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1) and the site is
bounded by Treelines (WL2) and Hedgerows (WL1).
The site is currently a habitat of Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1),
Recolonising bare ground (ED3), Wet Grassland (GS4), with some areas of
Scrub (WS1) dominated by gorse (Ulex europaeus). The road through the site
is Recolonising bare ground (ED3). The dominant habitat in the surrounding
area is Improved Agricultural Grassland (GA1) and the site is bounded by
Treelines (WL2) and Hedgerows (WL1).
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3.3 Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica
Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is an invasive species in Ireland as
stated in the invasive species (as listed in the Third Schedule of S.I. No. 477 of
2011, EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011).
It is known for its very complex rhizome systems which can displace, smother
and take up the area of many native species in Ireland. It is very dense and
can easily take over a habitat if left unchecked. Its roots can also cause
damage to many hard surfaces such as concrete and buildings
The F. japonica it does not spread via seed dispersal like other invasive species
instead spreading its dense roots via rhizomes which make it difficult to
dispose of unless the entire root network is removed, as even one root can
lead to a new establishment on a site. The plant grows in shoots similar to
bamboo and dies back in the winter before regrowing in the spring. It is known
for its heart shaped leaves and flower clusters which are cream to white.
Japanese Knotweed can establish readily when introduced on a site and can
grow in a variety of habitats such as woodland edges, stream banks,
hedgerows, and roadsides.
Physical removal of the Japanese Knotweed is recommended due to its dense
carpet style root system and its location at the site. Care should be taken to
remove all parts of the plant as roots left may lead to regrowth.
The location of the plants on the site are mainly focused around watering
areas, being located at and around the watering zone for cattle on site, and at
the drainage ditch to the west of the site. The spread of the knotweed is
presumably caused by cattle traversing the site and moving to drinking areas.
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4 CONCLUSIONS
The only invasive species included in the Third Schedule of S.I. No. 477 of 2011,
EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 which were observed at the
time of the survey was Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica).
No other species noted in the Third Schedule of S.I. No. 477 of 2011, EC (Birds
and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 were observed during the survey.
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Appendix 1: Photos from Survey
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Knotweed stands along east road
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Appendix 3 Third Schedule of S.I. No. 477 of 2011
RECEIVED: 16/04/2026