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Islanders Urged To Go 'On The Pull' For Hot Date With Invasive Himalayan Balsam

Natural Enterprise’s Plant Positive project is once again out on the pull - which the local charity asking Islanders for help tackling Himalayan Balsam.

The non-native plant is widely considered one of the most invasive species on the Island’s rivers.

Since 2013 volunteers have made great progress on bringing the infestation under control on much of Wroxall Stream native herby vegetation has returned - the fields are no longer pink as a result of their efforts.

The team tackles new areas each year, as well as visiting previous sites to eliminate any plants that have returned.

As well as out-pollinating and out-shading native flora and threatening the extraordinary biodiversity of our river habitats it dies back in winter, leaving riverbanks bare and vulnerable to erosion and increased flooding.

It is thought this loss of plant diversity and bank erosion is also contributing significantly to the decline of one of the UK's rarest mammals, the water vole.  

Carol Flux, the Project Manager explains:

“We currently have volunteers out three days a week, and need new people to join our regular volunteers.

"It’s urgent as the balsam will be seeding soon, and each plant produces about 800 seeds.

"It’s an easy job, lots of fun and a great excuse to work outside in some of our loveliest river-side spots!

"It’s great for individuals to come ‘on the pull’ with us, or we are happy to take out groups.”

If you would like to give a... hand Himalayan Balsam-pulling this summer, contact Carol Flux on 07790 906232 or email [email protected]

No experience is necessary as training will be given on the day.

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