Water is without a doubt the most taken-for-granted natural resource in Europe. Water has a direct impact on our daily lives and well-being, but it is also a barometer of local ecosystem health.
Recent decades have brought a greater understanding of the physical, chemical and microbiological process that controls water quality in lakes and reservoirs. Warmer temperatures, acid rain, algal bloom and invasive species like Crassula around natural lakes and reservoirs mean that effective measures are needed. The many different Crassula species are growing more and more in natural lakes, threatening to smother the indigenous flora and fauna living in the area. They cover the surface of the water in a thick green carpet, depriving birds and animals of their natural habitat. The plant is also a threat to fish and invertebrates, as it sucks oxygen out of the water. Ultimately the plant covers the entire lake and smothers all life.
The plant has been allowed to grow unchecked in many nature reserves and national parks. In recent years more attention has been paid to invasive species that colonise natural parks and spread rapidly. Heatweed is researching and focusing on solutions for many of these species, including Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed, Canada Goldenrod, Lupins and Beach Rose.
Non-toxic, effective solutions are needed to control and gradually eradicate these invasive species. Heatweed Technologies has sound experience in controlling many of these plants in wetlands and natural parks, often in close collaboration with the water or power companies.
For more information: email info@heatweed.com or see the page on Research Projects.