Invasive Species
Invasive Weeds
Invasive weeds are plant species that take over habitats, decreasing their wildlife value and eradicating native plant species. If allowed to grow unchecked, they can destroy the characteristic Chilterns natural landscapes.
In Chesham, three plants are known to be invading the area:
The most invasive ladybird in the world, the Harlequin Ladybird, has arrived in Chesham. Originally for East Asia, this ladybird was accidentally introduced to the UK in 2004 and has been spotted in Chesham.
The Harlequin has a big appetite, eating a wide range of foods, including butterflies, moths and other ladybirds – which means that the Harlequin could endanger native insects.
A survey has been set up to follow the Harlequin’s spread across the UK and we would like you to report your Chesham sightings. For information on how to identify this highly variable ladybird or to report a sighting, go to
www.harlequin-survey.org.
Citrus Longhorn Beetle
DEFRA is warning gardeners to be on the look-out for this beetle, originally from South East Asia. The beetle has been found in nurseries and private gardens in the UK and is a pest of a range of trees and shrubs, especially maples. However, the Citrus Longhorn Beetle also attacks beech, birch, hawthorn, hazel, horse chestnut, plane, poplar, oak and willow.