Holly succeeds Catherine Chatters, who retired this autumn after over 16 years of dedicated service at the Trust. Following in Catherine’s footsteps, Holly will continue to work in partnership with local landowners and land managers to stop the spread of invasive non-native plants in the New Forest area.

Many non-native plants, originally introduced for horticulture, have become invasive in the New Forest, threatening native species and habitats, particularly along watercourses and in wetland areas.

Plants such as Himalayan balsam were introduced in the Victorian era as ornamental garden plants but have ‘jumped the garden fence’, outcompeting native wildflowers. Japanese knotweed is a notorious invasive non-native plant as its underground rhizomes can cause structural damage. Giant hogweed, also introduced as a horticultural plant, has invaded riverbanks and is a health hazard as its toxic sap can cause burning blisters on human skin, particularly in bright sunlight.

Holly is passionate about the New Forest and is keen to raise awareness about the need to protect this very special place from the problems caused by invasive non-native plants which spread into the wild.

Holly Fitzgerald, New Forest Non-Native Plants Officer at Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust said: “Non-native garden plants can become invasive if they colonise the countryside and cause environmental, economic, or social problems.”

In line with the Great Britain Non-Native Species Secretariat’s 'Be Plant Wise' campaign, Holly is asking gardeners to take steps this autumn to prevent the spread of invasive non-native species. 

Holly adds: “It’s very important to dispose of your surplus garden plants responsibly.

“Garden pond plants such as parrot’s feather, New Zealand pygmyweed and water primrose cause serious problems if they are dumped or planted in the wild as they can spread rapidly and dominate ecologically sensitive wetland habitats, harming our precious native flora”.

To support this initiative, Holly urges the public to follow three simple steps:

• Know what you grow: Choose the right plants for your garden, pond, and water features.
• Compost with care: Dispose of your unwanted plants, roots, weeds, and seeds responsibly.
• Stop the spread: Keep your plants in your garden - don’t plant them in the countryside or allow them to grow in the wild.

Catherine Chatters added: “Working for the Trust and helping to protect the New Forest from invasive non-native plants has been a true privilege. I’m delighted that Holly is taking on this role. There’s still a lot of important work to be done and I know Holly will bring her own passion and dedication to continue safeguarding this very special place.”

The New Forest Non-Native Plants Project is a partnership initiative hosted by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, focused on stopping the spread of invasive non-native plants across the New Forest. Holly will play a key role in the project, working closely with landowners, land managers, volunteers, and professional contractors to control plants such as Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed, giant hogweed, American skunk cabbage, and parrot’s feather. The project also raises awareness, provides advice and has undertaken research relating to invasive non-native plants.

For more information on how to 'Be Plant Wise' and help stop the spread of invasive non-native plants, visit the GB non-native species secretariat website.

To learn more about the New Forest Non-Native Plants Project visit here.