Himalayan Balsam removal at the Queen
Mothers Park
For the past three weeks volunteers from the Kentish
Stour Countryside Project have been helping to remove Himalayan Balsam
from the banks of the river Stour.
The reason for its removal is because the plant very
invasive, it originates from Western Himalaya. It was introduced in 1839
and was used as a decorative garden plant. It wasn’t long before it
escaped the confines of gardens to grow wild along riverbanks and damp
places. The plant is a fast grower that spreads very quickly. Due to this
it out-competes native vegetation.
It can be controlled by pulling before it flowers and
seeds. When it does seed the seeds disperse down the river colonising new
areas.
If you are interested in volunteering contact
us.
