20th June 2005

Join ‘The Big Pull’

Himalayan Balsam: It’s big, it’s pink and it’s dangerous. What’s more this pink peril is rapidly colonising the banks of the River Blackwater and its feeder stream causing death and destruction to the native flora. To highlight the problem Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership has organised ‘The Big Pull’ from 4th-11th July to make people aware of this destructive plant and is inviting volunteers to help tackle the threat. 

“We need help to control this plant, said Sue Dent Countryside & Access Officer at the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership. “So we are inviting local people to get involved in ‘The Big Pull’ when groups across the Valley will be pulling Himalayan Balsam in their area.”

Himalayan Balsam loves the rich moist soil found alongside riverbanks and streams, like the Blackwater Valley, and can grow in full sun or heavy shade. Although an annual it grows taller and faster than native riverside plants, coming into flower from June to September, when it bears bright pink, slipper-shaped flowers with  serrated, lance-shaped leaves on purplish-red stems which can grow up to six feet high (2m).  Each flower develops a seed pod containing up to 800 seeds, which explode when ripe, scattering seeds over a large area. Because these seeds then get transported downstream they can rapidly colonise new areas.

Many people think these plants provide a welcome splash of colour, but they are seriously dangerous as they kill off our native plants leading to erosion of the river banks. 

“The only way to get rid of these plants is to remove them completely before they seed,” explains Sue. “This is relatively easy to do as the plant, being shallow rooted, can be easily pulled out by hand or cut low to the ground.”

If you would like to take part in ‘The Big Pull’ to help remove these damaging plants, please ring 01252 331353 or visit www.blackwater-valley.org.uk for more details.

END

For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.

Notes

• Himalayan Balsam comes from the Himalayas and was introduced into this country by the Victorians in the 19th Century. Unfortunately it likes the local conditions and grows vigorously, forming dense drifts along river banks and other damp areas. Their size prevents sunlight and water reaching the native river bank flora, which eventually dies off. Being annuals, Himalayan Balsam dies back in Autumn leaving the river banks devoid of vegetation, which results in erosion.
• The Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership (BVCP) is funded by the County, District and Parish Councils along the River Blackwater. It works to promote community action in conservation and recreation and to protect the Valley for the enjoyment and well being of the whole community.
• Members of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership are: Hampshire County Council, Surrey County Council; the District, Town and Borough Councils of Blackwater & Hawley, Bracknell Forest, Farnham, Guildford, Hart, Rushmoor, Sandhurst, Surrey Heath, Waverley, Wokingham and Yateley.