Balsam Bashing again this weekend

• By davidsmith
• July 13, 2015
• No Comments

It’s that time of year again, when the Sun is shining, birds are fledging, and Himalayan Balsam is starting to flower in places where it isn’t wanted. Consequently, the CATCH team are organising an event for this Sunday morning, where alongside the usual litter pick some groups will be walking the banks of the river to pull up the Himalayan balsam plants. Luckily, they have shallow roots and are very easy to remove; if they are not removed, as an invasive species they tend to displace every other plant from entire riverbanks, and also erode the soil making it impossible for creatures such as water voles to make their burrows.

Unfortunately, despite being pleasant to look at, Himalayan Balsam wreaks havoc upon river wildlife.

Last summer, CATCH and our assorted team of helpers removed a huge amount of the plant from the area around the edge of the cricket pitch; this Sunday we hope to tackle some of the more hard-to-reach areas around Skater’s Curves. All volunteers will be welcome, although children must be accompanied by an adult. Provided the weather conditions are good and the water level is not high, it will be possible for volunteers to enter the river if they have sturdy wellington boots; if not, there are plenty of jobs that can be done while remaining firmly on land!

Anyone wishing to attend, please arrive at the David Sharp centre for 10am for a health and safety briefing. Refreshments will be provided through the morning.