A PROJECT to protect the future of native wildlife in the River Avon at Christchurch has begun.

The three-county scheme to stem the spread of non-native invasive plants is the first of its kind of this scale in the UK.

Along with Dorset Wildlife Trust, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust are trying to get rid of plants such as Himalayan balsam, Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed.

Called Source to Sea, the project has received substantial backing from the Environment Agency.

Amanda Broom, conservation officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “Invasive alien plants are threatening our streams, rivers and their wildlife.

“We have been working to remove this threat in Dorset and we welcome this opportunity to take the fight to the very east of the county and one of its most iconic rivers.”