The Tweed and its tributaries offer a rich and unique series of networked habitats for biodiversity in a landscape dominated by agriculture and, increasingly, forestry. The River Tweed, and many of its major tributaries, are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for Ranunculus species, lamprey species, otter and Atlantic salmon. (SSSIs and SACs are the highest levels of national and European environmental protection, respectively.) Bankside vegetation plays an important part in providing habitat and food for these key species but it can be easily impacted by invasive non-native plant species (INNpS). The Scottish Borders relies heavily on the quality of its riverine environment to attract visitors and, thus, inward investment to the region. A report, commissioned in 2014, on the economic benefits of the salmon fishing industry estimated it to be worth £24 million to the region, employing over 500 people. Before the Tweed Invasives Project, many fishing beats on the Lower Tweed were heavily infested with Giant Hogweed and, in some areas, impenetrable barriers were beginning to form. Giant Hogweed is, of course, renowned for its toxic sap and associated risks to human health, and poses a real danger to those accessing the river for fishing or other recreational purposes.  Click here to read the report.