Himalayan balsam work parties
HIMALAYAN balsam is a non-native, invasive plant that can be found along the banks of Britain’s waterways. It grows quickly and crowds out native wildflowers.
Growing up to three metres in height, the plant has no root stock. Once it dies back in winter the ground becomes susceptible to erosion and it can increase the need for dredging.
These work parties involve pulling the plants up before they go to seed – it is non-toxic and easy to pull up. Annually removing plants stops them growing in that area.
Haslam Park
IWA Lancashire & Cumbria Branch held a joint Himalayan balsam clearance work party at Haslam Park with Lancaster Canal Trust and Friends of Haslam Park in June.
Ten volunteers pulled up Himalayan balsam from along the towpath and near the feeder to the Lancaster Canal. This group has been clearing balsam from the area for several years and has helped to contain its spread.
Churnet Valley
IWA North Staffordshire and South Cheshire Branch has also resumed its campaign against this invasive plant this year. Volunteers took part in two work parties in the Churnet Valley to clear Himalayan balsam during June.
The first work party was an evening session on the Leek Arm of the Caldon Canal around Longsdon. Volunteers cleared much of the Himalayan balsam growing on the embankment which overlooks Deep Hayes.
Another session took place on the Uttoxeter Canal where volunteers cleared swathes of the plant around Bridge 70 at Crumpwood. Volunteers from Canal & River Trust and Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust joined the branch for both work parties.
More sessions on both canals are planned – visit waterways.org.uk/ staffscheshire or contact allie.smedley@ waterways.org.uk if you would like to get involved.