Protecting native species
Himalayan Balsam is an non-native, invasive species. It was introduced as a garden plant in 1839. It is fast growing and spreads quickly invading wet habitat and stops native plants from growing.
It has explosive seed pods which land in the rivers and spread the plant downstream with devasting effect. It flowers from July to October.
During the project, we have systematically removed areas of Himalayan Balsam but there is much more still to do. We have strimmed, scythed and hand pulled the plant from May to September. Volunteers have dedicated hundreds of hours and have been invaluable in helping to control this invasive species.
The Species Survival Fund enables us to continue this work for another 5 years to try and control the spread.
Japanese Knotweed
We have also treated Japanese Knotweed in a number of areas including Richmond Park and Shire Brook Valley. Treating this involves an injection into the stem of the plant rather than spraying as this localises it to that specific plant.
This project is funded by the Government’s Species Survival Fund and other partner funding. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm’s-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency. A whole programme of activity across the Valley will create, restore and enhance habitats to support and protect the species living here and encourage new ones to thrive.
Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve 