AS reported in the last update the Forth Rivers Trust are engaged in a project to eradicate vegetative invasive non-native species (INNS) in the whole catchment of the River Devon.
Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed are best treated by the targeted use of herbicides. The most populous species in the catchment is Himalayan Balsam. The best means of eradicate this species is simply be pulling up the whole plant before it has time to seed.
Eradication of Hamalyan Balsam is beyond the resources of the funded INNS programme To this end Mario Palomo (Project Officer), and Charlotte Neary (Senior Project Officer ) are looking for an army of volunteers that are willing to help us control Himalayan Balsam on the Devon.
They will be delivering a volunteer training induction to Himalayan Balsam pulling on The Devon Way, between Tillicoultry and Dollar on Friday the 23rd of June between 10:30am – 1pm.
Its very therapeutic!
Details in the FRT poster below:
The Devon Angling Association 
Hey,
Just a quick note that the gate on the farmer’s field on the Fossoway beat (NO01420174) has been padlocked shut. As there’s no style in place and the surrounding fence is all topped with barded wire, the only real option is to climb over the gate (which isn’t the most secure thing in the world).
There are sheep in the second field, which is likely the reason for it, as I suspect some walkers or anglers may have gone through and left the gate open at some point, prompting the padlocking.
Is there any way to contact the farmer to discuss this – specifically around the building of a style there, which would allow easy access for walkers and anglers, whilst still allowing them to maintain the security of the gate?
Does the Angling Association have funds to purchase the materials for this? If not, I’d be happy to contribute for this purpose
I appreciate that angling isn’t included in the Land Reform Act, but there are other walkers and the like who use that section. It may be worth reminding the farmer of their responsibilities under the outdoor access code to “not purposefully or unreasonably prevent, hinder or deter people from exercising access rights on or off
paths and tracks”
Hi llendorin
I know the area you are referring to, I fish there regularly, as a relatively fit guy it’s no issue for me to climb the gate although, for a person of age it wouldn’t be recommended, I am very cautious of ripping/punching a hole in the ever expensive waders, there’s a few areas I personally feel could do with a style on the fossoway stretch!
On several occasions in the years of fishing the fossoway beat, I’ve passed a few anglers who have halted progress upstream or downstream due to cattle, one particular evening a gentleman mentioned about “ very angry looking cows “ being up there regularly I’ve had a few chats with the landowner, he will try and avoid having his “ larger beasts “ near the river, as he’s fully aware some anglers can get intimidated by them, I’m think he’d be more than happy for a few styles to be placed on his property.
Hope your season goes well.
Andrew.