NEW COMMUNITY GROUP OF ‘BALSAM BASHERS’
Melbreak Wildlife Group, based in the Lorton/Cocker Valley, is forming a new group of volunteers to help tackle the urgent issues faced by the spread of invasive Himalayan Balsam locally and needs enthusiastic volunteers!
The Project, initiated by the West Cumbrian Rivers Trust (WCRT) with Lottery Funding, is supporting local community groups with the aim of preventing the spread of and eradicate invasive Himalayan Balsam, which is marching relentlessly across our precious waterways and landscapes.
Why Balsam Bash? The pretty pink flowers of Himalayan Balsam, belie an extremely aggressive, invasive plant. Having one of the highest growth rates of any annual plant, it can grow to 2-3 metres high and outcompetes native plants, leading to a loss of biodiversity and the billions of seeds it disperses are easily carried along watercourses. With die back in autumn bare banks and areas where native plants have been overpowered, soil erosion is exacerbated, and sediment runoff increased, causing habitat loss and greater pressure on wildlife.
The Project will launch with a free talk entitled ‘Invasive Non- Native Species in the Cocker Catchment’ by Izzy Mullin from WCRT on Thursday 19th February at Yew Tree Hall, Lorton CA13 9QU. allHallCA13 9UIzzy will talk about invasive species, such as Himalayan Balsam and Mink and their damaging impact on our local environment, as well as introducing the Balsam Bashing Project. All are welcome and refreshments will be provided.
A two-day training course in strimming practices will be provided for six volunteers on April 13th & 14th in the Lorton Valley and along with balsam hand pulling volunteers, the group will meet locally on a weekly basis, from June onwards, at specified locations, with all necessary equipment provided.
At the end of the ‘Balsam Bashing’ season there will also be an evening get together, with refreshments provided for volunteers, to celebrate achievements and plan future strategy.
If you would like to volunteer or get involved with this important project, please contact Debbie Watson email beech.lane@yahoo.co.uk or join us on Thursday 19th February. All are welcome.
Melbreak Wildlife Group is an initiative of the Melbreak Communities
The Melbreak Communities 