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26th June 2005
Danger! Pink Peril
 They're big, they're pink, they're dangerous and they’re alive and well in the Blackwater Valley. What’s more this pink peril is rapidly colonising the banks of rivers and streams causing death and destruction to the native flora. We're talking about Himalayan Balsam, an alien plant that is flourishing in the Blackwater Valley and the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership need your help to get rid of it. They are inviting people to join ‘The Big Pull’ this July to help pull up this destructive plant before it has an opportunity to seed.
“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’ and join groups across the Valley ewhen they pull 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 with their bright pink flowers 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.
More details about Himalayan Balsam
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Tuesday 4 July
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BV Path Frimley Hatches
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Himalayan Balsam pull
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With BV Conservation Volunteers. Meet outside Courts at Farnborough Gate at 10:00m.
Ring 01252 331353 for more details
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Friday 7 July
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The Bourne
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Himalayan Balsam pull
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With the Bourne Conservation Group. Meet at The Fox (in Lower Bourne, on the A287 Hindhead road out of Farnham). Start time 10:00, finish about 13:00.
Ring 01252 794511 for more details
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Sunday 9 July
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The Bourne
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Himalayan Balsam pull
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With the Bourne Conservation Group. Meet at The Fox (in Lower Bourne, on the A287 Hindhead road out of Farnham). Start time 10:00, finish about 13:00.
Ring 01252 794511 for more details
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Tuesday 11 July
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BV Path Hollybush
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Himalayan Balsam pull
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With BV Conservation Volunteers. Meet outside Courts at Farnborough Gate at 10:00m.
Ring 01252 331353 for more details.
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Tuesday 18 July
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Moor Green
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Himalayan Balsam pull, litter, paths, saplings
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With BV Conservation Volunteers. Meet outside Courts at Farnborough Gate at 10:00m.
Ring 01252 331353 for more details.
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Tuesday 23 July
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BV Path
Gerry’s Copse
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Himalayan Balsam pull. Habitat Management
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With BV Conservation Volunteers. Meet outside Courts at Farnborough Gate at 10:00m.
Ring 01252 331353 for more details.
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END
For further information contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.
Notes
- 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.
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