Signs of progress on our battle with the Balsam

Himalayan Balsam is a very determined adversary when it comes to invasive non-native species that colonise the Erme’s riverbanks. But maybe it’s beginning to meet its match.

Thanks to an excellent turnout of over 20 volunteers for a couple of Balsam culling sessions south of Sequers Bridge, and multiple sessions on the north side by equally determined volunteer teams from Ermington Environmental, we are starting to see some progress on this reach of the river.

You know you are making an impact when you return to previously culled areas and have to start looking for the ones that got away last time.

But it’s a reminder of just how invasive this species can be when confronted by a dense thicket of it. Fortunately it’s weakness is a very shallow root that makes complete extraction simple, effective and very satisfying as you break the stem above the root and watch the heap pile up.

Timing is everything, as once the seed heads form and burst they can scatter their payload over a radius of 6-7 metres. A single plant can develop around 800 seeds.

It’s a case of persistence paying off, so please give a thought to joining us on our next call for volunteers.