Dear Blogger
Message from Wendy Lowdon
Just to remind you, several people will be gathering to remove Himalayan Balsam upstream from the Platt Bridge on both the Ruyton XI side and the Baschurch side.
Himalayan Balsam maybe a pretty looking plant but it creates a mono-culture. It out performs native plants therefore insect and small mammal biodiversity dies also with the loss of the wonderful variety of British native plants. As Himalayan Balsam is an annual, the new crop of the plant comes from seed, which it produces prolifically, and not from the root. In winter it dies off and then there is no vegetation to hold the soil of the banks of the river and adds to the likelihood of breakdown of the river banks and erosion. If you have Himalayan Balsam you are urged to remove it before it develops seeds. By doing so you are supporting the growth of local native plants, stabilizing the river bank and your plant is not seeding places down river from you. Remember Himalayan balsam cannot be put into the green bin for disposal but the pulled plant , without seeds, can be left high on the bank to decompose.
The Baschurch side will meet on the Dairy Pak truck area at 5.00 on Friday afternoon and 3.00 Saturday afternoon.
The Ruyton Side will meet at the Platt Bridge Meadow at 5 on Friday afternoon and 3.00 on Saturday afternoon.
We will walk to the affected sites. You must wear protective clothing, gloves, long sleeves and thick trousers to protect you from nettles while you tackle the balsam. We will leave the 'pulled balsam' high on the bank as it will not be necessary to remove so long as it has not have a seedhead. We are only aiming to do an hour or so. Where there are bare areas, we will sow some seed obtained from Landlife UK Wildflowers suitable for riverbanks including meadowsweet, loosestrife, vetch, Yellow flag iris and Sedge which are perennials and will hold the bank.
With best wishes,
Wendy Lowdon
07800658540
