Volunteer Session - Himalayan Balsam Removal

We are hosting a volunteer morning for the removal of Himalayan balsam plants. This is an invasive non-native species which has spread rapidly across the banks of a stream on one of our meadows. It is the perfect time to remove them, as they have yet to go to seed. Their roots are shallow so each plant can be pulled out fairly easily. 

About Himalyan Balsam

The species spreads quickly and forms dense thickets, altering the ecological balance and character of wetland habitats. Many seeds drop into the water and contaminate land and riverbanks downstream, but the explosive nature of its seed release (seeds can be projected up to four meters away) means it can spread upstream too. It produces a lot of pollen over a prolonged season and is attractive to pollinating insects. There is concern that its presence may therefore result in decreased pollination for other native plants.