Background

Himalayan balsam is a priority Invasive Non Native Species, which tends to grow by waterways. It has spread considerably in recent years around our local area, and there is an urgent need to take action to prevent further spread. Himalayan balsam is a tall annual plant, which produces large pink flowers in July and August, attracting pollinators away from smaller, native flowers. Because of this, and its prolific seed production, it tends to take over where it spreads, and recent studies from Stirling University show it exacerbates riverbank erosion, since it dies back in the autumn, leaving few plant roots to hold soil together.

The good news is that Himalayan balsam can be controlled using no chemicals and no specialist technical skills. But it is time consuming, and better done in groups. It is an ideal job for a local volunteer group. 

We are looking for someone to coordinate a team of local volunteers to pull balsam from late June to August – after the plant has emerged, and before it produces seeds.