Thanks to Claire for this update. Ed
Dozens of people have taken to the rivers so far this summer to help Plant Positive and the Wildlife Trust with tackle invasive plant Himalayan Balsam, starting with a Bee Spotting and Balsam Pulling walk in glorious sunshine last week.
Newchurch bee field
Ian Boyd from Natural Enterprise led walkers through Gift to Nature’s bee field at Newchurch, covered in beautiful pink storksbill at the moment, before the group headed to the Yar to learn more about the effects of Himalayan balsam on our riverside flora.
Decline of the Water Vole
Nicola Wheeler from the Wildlife Trust explained the link between balsam and declining water vole population. Volunteers from aged six to 70 then dived into help pulling the plant along the cycle path.
Meanwhile, on the Wroxall Stream, students from Medina College and Natural Wight’s Green Army volunteers joined Plant Positive and the WT at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. The latest group to join in have been the indomitable Green Gym with 32 people clearing a swathe of balsam from the middle section of the Newchurch to Alverstone cycle path.
“Thrilled by the response to the appeal”
Claire Hector at Natural Enterprise said,
“Himalayan balsam is more widespread than ever before this year, not surprising when you consider that every single plant is capable of producing up to 800 seeds which the plant can then catapult up to seven metres away.
“We’ve been really thrilled by the response to the appeal for help both from members of the public but also offers of help from groups such as Island Roads and the Landscape Group. We would love people to pull the plant out by the roots when they see it on their walks or bike rides – it’s simple to identify and easy to pull.
“It’s important to remember to stay away from the riverbank sides obviously as well as avoid leaving any pulled plants anywhere that might create a trip hazard. People can download an ID sheet for the plant or contact me for more details.”
Get involved
If you would like to give a hand Himalayan Balsam-pulling this summer, please contact Claire Hector on 01983 201566 or [email protected] or Nicola Wheeler at the Wildlife Trust at [email protected].
No experience necessary as training will be given on the day.
The next day out is Tuesday 4th June and will take place on the Eastern Yar.
