The Terre di Pedemonte – a vast plain between the Melezza and Isorno rivers – is characterized by species-rich meadows, forest edges and remnants of floodplains.

In this permeable cultivated landscape, many animals and plants find a last refuge. But even here, invasive species are spreading rapidly – especially the Asian knotweed (Reynoutria japonica), one of Switzerland's most problematic neophytes. The knotweed grows extremely quickly, reaching up to three meters in height and forming dense stands that barely allow light or other plants to penetrate. Its powerful rhizomes even burst through walls and riverbanks. Once it dominates, there is hardly any room left for native species. It displaces natural vegetation, particularly along paths, waterways, and forest edges.

This project focuses on manual control of knotweed: Volunteers systematically remove above-ground plant parts with pruning shears and hand saws, carefully cutting them down, and thus preventing further spread. The goal is not a one-time eradication, but rather the systematic reduction of the populations – step by step, with patience and teamwork. A physically demanding but highly rewarding effort that leaves visible traces – for a landscape with more space for native life.