Balsam Bashing!

As its name suggests, Himalayan balsam is from the Himalayas and was introduced here in 1839. It now an invasive weed of riverbanks and ditches, where it prevents native species from growing. Any balsam pulled can be hung in smaller amounts up in trees etc. If there is lots it’s fine to make big piles, ideally on top of something, such as a tree trunk or maybe a bramble bush.

We are going to do a spot of balsam bashing to prevent the spread of further spread. We need to do this early in summer before the seeds start popping. As the seed capsules ripen and get ready to pop the work will have much less impact and the risk of spreading the balsam elsewhere gets higher. We must be very wary of the seeds (usually towards end of July/August). If seeds are popping, everyone needs to brush themselves off properly before leaving site, empty out any pockets etc. and put the clothes in the wash when home. Even if there aren’t any fresh seeds, please clean any mud from the soles of your shoes because seeds can stay in the soil for up to three years and be spread in that way!!

Please arrive in plenty of time as we will need to walk to the balsam site.