The province of North Holland and its partners on Texel are now tackling the control of water fern differently. This invasive aquatic plant does not belong here and threatens the nature of the island.
Until now, attempts have been made to completely remove the plant. Unfortunately, this has not been successful. Therefore, a new approach has been chosen. Intervention will only occur if the plant rapidly spreads in areas with vulnerable nature.
Why Water Fern is a Problem
The water fern originates from Australia and is sold in the Netherlands as an aquarium plant. When water fern ends up in ditches, ponds, or marshes, it grows rapidly. As a result, the plant displaces other plants and animals. On Texel, which is part of protected Natura 2000 areas, this can cause significant damage. Complete removal is not possible because the plant spreads easily and is difficult to control. Therefore, the province and its partners will now only act in vulnerable nature areas on Texel.
Not Only on Texel
The water fern also occurs on the mainland of North Holland. Especially in and around dune pools, polders, and ditches, for example in the Gooi, the Zaan region, West Friesland, and areas around the North Sea Canal. Just like on Texel, intervention occurs where nature is particularly vulnerable. In other areas, the province tries to limit the spread as much as possible. Watch the video Opens an external link about the control of water fern on Texel.
Preventing Spread
Spread often goes unnoticed. Small pieces of the plant can remain stuck to shoes, boots, nets, or the wheels of a bicycle. This way, the water fern can end up in new places. To prevent this, the province asks residents and visitors to always clean and dry their belongings after use in or near water. It is also important to stay on paths in nature areas. Do you want to dispose of the water fern? Please do so in the residual waste that is burned and not in the GFT(e) waste.
What Can You Do?
Everyone can help protect nature. Check your belongings, rinse them clean, and let them dry thoroughly before reusing them. This way, you prevent invasive exotics (plants and animals that do not belong here) from spreading.
Want to know more? Visit the page What are you bringing along? for tips and information.
