BGU and many of our registered groups are joining forces this summer to tackle the scourge of Himalayan Balsam (HB) Huge efforts have been made in the past several years to tackle HB and great progress has been made in certain areas – but we need much more as it is so widespread. So BGU are working with Bolton Council, Lancashire Wildlife Trust and also linking up with Bury Council and voluntary groups in Bury and Radcliffe to get as many people as possible involved this year.
Invasive Non-Native species cost the UK £1.9 billion per year and contribute to 60% of global biodiversity loss. Himalayan Balsam is a major threat to local wildlife: it outcompetes native plants, increases the long-term flood risk well as destabilising riverbanks and accelerating riverbank erosion. Every year we fail to act Himalayan Balsam spreads dramatically. Our mission is to empower people with the information and confidence to tackle Himalayan Balsam where they live.
The work is easy to do – but very labour intensive so we need boots on the ground. We are still in the planning stages but a Big Balsam Bash website is being developed. Please check it out. There is already lots of information and resources, and in the coming weeks the website will hold a schedule of dates and locations of HB pulling activities. Please remember this website is a work-in-progress!!
