Call for volunteers for this July for Himalayan Balsam ‘Bashing’ along the Erme and Yealm rivers

The YEM and WATER local environment groups are actively working to improve river health with a long-term programme to control the spread of Japanese knotweed, himalayan balsam and other invasive non-native species (INNS). Himalayan balsam is particularly damaging as it is an annual that dies back in the winter, leaving bare spaces that would normally be inhabited by native plants whose roots bind and stabilise the soil, which leaves the riverbanks vulnerable to serious erosion and collapse. It is very tall and will often shade out shorter native plants and, being a vigorous producer of nectar, it draws pollinators away from native plants, putting their pollination and reproduction in jeopardy. For more detail on the dangers of invasive species please see here.

If you are interested in taking part on a ‘Balsam Bash’ this July please contact Charles Weston Baker c.westonbaker@gmail.com - it’s fun, fresh air and good for the environment!

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