Pilot Site for the Control of Dwarf Serviceberry
It threatens a habitat of European importance: coastal wooded dunes, which are protected under EU nature conservation legislation.
The work is led by the project partner, Latvia’s Nature Conservation Agency.
Removing dwarf serviceberry shrubs and roots using hand tools (19 ha).
Removing shrubs and roots using compact machinery (14 ha).
Cutting down shrubs and treating the stumps with plant protection products in a limited area (0.08 ha).
Repeated strimming of dwarf serviceberry (0.14 ha).
In the oldest and most biologically valuable part of the nature park, in Buļļuciems, the invasive alien species dwarf serviceberry (Amelanchier spicata) has spread across an area of 33 hectares. As it spreads rapidly and forms dense stands, it alters woodland structure, changes environmental conditions and affects soil composition. As a result, species characteristic of wooded coastal dunes disappear, and pine trees gradually lose their dominance. The open, light pine woodlands typical of coastal dunes may gradually develop into dense, overgrown stands that are difficult to walk through and have poor visibility.
To preserve the area’s unique natural values, controlling invasive alien species has been designated as a top-priority management measure in the approved Ragakāpa Nature Park Conservation Plan for 2019–2031.
Control work targeting dwarf serviceberry was carried out under the supervision of experts from Nature Conservation Agency of Latvia from September 2023 to February 2024. Experience shows that controlling invasive alien species is challenging and cannot be achieved in a single year. Work was therefore continued during the autumn and winter months through to 2026, focusing on serviceberry stems that were previously missed and on regrowth from shoots. The results will be monitored and assessed through to 2027.
The work was organised to minimise the impact on the dunes. Compact machinery followed routes designated by experts. Piles of uprooted serviceberry shrubs remained in the dunes temporarily. The work was also exposed patches of sand where the shrubs have been uprooted. Although these exposed areas may look unusual, nature conservation experts emphasise that they provide habitats for rare species such as the pasqueflower (Pulsatilla patens) and sand pink (Dianthus arenarius), while also encouraging pine regeneration.
The effectiveness of control methods will be evaluated at the LatViaNature pilot sites, with the aim of developing science-based guidelines in 2027 for managing invasive alien species elsewhere in Latvia.
Visit www.invazivs.lv to learn more about dwarf serviceberry, including its introduction pathways, impacts, control methods and distribution in Latvia. Here>>>