Contributed By Dr. Rebecca Cairns-Wicks

Alien Invaders Beware!

One of the primary objectives of the Peaks project is to develop methods to control Flax and other weeds growing on sheer slopes within Diana’s Peak National Park and at High Peak where they threatened the endemic plants. In February staff of the Environmental Conservation Section and Mark Coleman successfully completed the climbing training programme which was delivered by Acting Deputy Fire Chief Alan Thomas, supported by staff of the Fire & Rescue Services .

Peaks Project Workers and Trainers

The training has enabled them to acquire the skills and expertise needed to control Flax and other invasive plants threatening the Peaks flora on the sheer cliffs. Congratulations to Peter Bowers, Jeremy Henry, Timmy Clingham, Vincent Williams and Mark Coleman. Thanks are extended to Alan and his staff for making this possible. Work can now start on the southern side of High Peak to prevent the Flax from smothering the last remnants of the cloud forest tree ferns and their associated flora and fauna. Weed control work in other more accessible areas of the Peaks at High Peak and Casons has also been progressing through a combination of contractual labour and volunteer support.

Volunteers help beat back the weeds.

Members of the New Horizons Project took time out in the Christmas Holidays to help clear weeds that were encroaching on a small but important area at High Peak. Tree guards from a previously unsuccessful attempt to reintroduce Redwoods were also removed and carried to the roadside for transportation to A&NRD.

High Peak is extraordinarily rich in plants and animals, some of which are not known from anywhere else on the Island or anywhere else in the world! The area is now desperately endangered as well as being isolated from the main fragment of cloud forest found within Diana's Peak National Park

New Horizons helpers.

Volunteer support is important. It helps develop understanding and a sense of shared responsibility for the conservation of the Island’s unique habitats. With limited resources available to them, neither the Conservation Section nor the Peaks Project, can tackle the threat alone. Thank you to Michael Stevens and New Horizons for your support. The attack against the Whiteweed at Casons continues with Year 13 students and now also Year 12 students. The Monday afternoon sessions at Casons are proving a great success, the physical activity gives students a chance to unwind from their busy academic schedule and the Whiteweed just doesn’t stand a chance!

Prince Andrew School attack Whiteweed.

Volunteer Days and a new environment club are being organised to get the wider public involved. Public walks to High Peak on the 21st November and Peaks on 5th December were both very well attended and much enjoyed by those who took part.

Related Information

Peaks Update November 2004

Whats so special about the Peaks

Invasive Species Project introduced to St Helena