The natural environment of Cerklje na Gorenjskem is one of our destination’s greatest assets. Yet its rich biodiversity is increasingly threatened by invasive alien species – plants and animals that people have brought here, deliberately or accidentally, from other parts of the world. Because they often have no natural enemies here, they spread rapidly, displace native species and cause damage to nature, the economy and even human health.
🌿 Did you know?
Many invasive plants were once popular ornamentals. They include cherry laurel and some species of bamboo, which can spread from gardens into the natural environment.
Species already recorded in the Municipality of Cerklje na Gorenjskem include:
- common ragweed,
- Himalayan balsam,
- small balsam,
- staghorn sumac.
Why are they a problem?
🌼 Common ragweed (opens in a new tab) is one of the most potent causes of seasonal allergies, and its pollen can cause health problems even several kilometres from where it grows.
🌸 Himalayan balsam (opens in a new tab) overgrows the banks of rivers and streams and crowds out native plants.
🌱 Small balsam (opens in a new tab) reduces the diversity of the woodland understorey and alters forest ecosystems.
🌳 Staghorn sumac (opens in a new tab) spreads rapidly through root suckers, forming dense stands that push out native vegetation.
👉 Not sure how to recognise invasive species? On the Invasive Alien Species portal you will find descriptions, photographs and profiles of the most common species. (opens in a new tab)
What can we do?
🌱 Check plants before buying
When landscaping gardens and their surroundings, choose native or non-invasive plants. Some ornamental plants can escape into the wild and cause serious problems.
👉 Before planting, check the lists of invasive ornamental plants (black list (opens in a new tab) – not recommended, orange list (opens in a new tab) – take care that they do not spread into the wild) and the recommended alternatives – the white list (opens in a new tab).
✂️ Remove invasive plants in good time
If you spot an invasive plant on your land, remove it before it flowers and sets seed.
Different species require different removal methods.
👉 Detailed instructions for removing individual invasive plants (opens in a new tab)
♻️ Dispose of plant waste correctly
Never dump removed invasive plants:
❌ at the edge of woodland,
❌ next to streams,
❌ in meadows,
❌ at illegal dumping sites.
With many species, even a small piece of stem or rhizome can grow into a new plant.
Dispose of small amounts of plant material in line with the instructions of JP VOKA SNAGA; larger amounts, or plants with seeds or roots, should be taken to the Cerklje Waste Collection Centre (Zbirni center Cerklje).
👉 On the Invasive Alien Species portal you can find out how to remove individual species correctly (opens in a new tab) and what to do with invasive plant waste. (opens in a new tab)
🚜 Don’t move soil around
The seeds of invasive plants are often spread with soil.
During gardening, construction or other earthworks, do not move soil from areas where invasive plants grow to other locations.
🥾 Clean your footwear and equipment
After hiking, cycling or working outdoors, clean your shoes, bikes, garden tools and other equipment, as they can unintentionally carry seeds to new areas.
🐢 Don’t release animals into the wild
Never release aquarium fish, turtles, exotic animals or other pets into the natural environment.
If you can no longer look after them, seek expert advice.
👉 Advice for pet owners (opens in a new tab)
Have you spotted an invasive species?
If you spot an invasive plant or animal:
📷 photograph your find,
📍 note the location,
📱 report the sighting in the Invazivke.si web or mobile app.
By reporting promptly, you make an important contribution to monitoring their spread and enabling experts to act more quickly.
✔ Useful links
🔗 What are invasive alien species? (opens in a new tab)
🔗 How do invasive species spread? (opens in a new tab)
🔗 How can you recognise them? (opens in a new tab) (Invasive alien species on the Union list under the EU Regulation) (opens in a new tab)
🔗 How can we stop them spreading? (opens in a new tab)
🔗 How do you remove invasive plants correctly? (opens in a new tab)
🔗 What should you do with invasive plant waste? (opens in a new tab)
🔗 What can we do ourselves? (opens in a new tab)
🔗 Report a sighting in the Invazivke.si app (opens in a new tab)
🔗 W (opens in a new tab)here are they found? (opens in a new tab)
Let’s protect the nature of Cerklje together
Every responsible visitor, resident and landowner can help to preserve our destination’s natural heritage. Even small actions – removing invasive plants correctly, choosing garden plants responsibly or reporting a sighting of an invasive species – make an important contribution to protecting biodiversity.
Sources: https://invazivne-tujerodne-vrste.si/, Invasive alien species of plants and animals | GOV.SI (opens in a new tab) and LIFE OrnamentalIAS – invasive species (opens in a new tab)
Want to find out more? Discover sustainability content, tips, guidelines and activities of the Cerklje na Gorenjskem Green Destination on the page 👉 Green Destination.
