If you are out for a walk along a waterway this summer, don’t forget to look out for Himalayan Balsam and pull some up if you can. Growing to a height of over three metres, the plant is a highly destructive invasive species which crowds out native plants and causes erosion.
Here’s what to do:Pull - Check out the IWA Himalayan Balsam identification guide to be certain that it is Himalayan Balsam and then pull up individual balsam stems – they pull up very easily,
Snap – Break off the root below the lowest growing node,
Stomp - Put into a small pile to rot down, away from the path. Bigger piles can be stamped on to assist the rotting process.
Seeds - You need to be aware that if the seeds have already developed then please don’t pull the Himalayan Balsam as there is no benefit and you could spread it to new locations;
Himalayan Balsam is non-toxic, but it is still advisable to wash your hands after carrying out this activity (and before eating) due to animal-carried diseases such as Weils Disease; be aware of the water’s edge or any steep drops and leave any plants that you can’t safely reach; don’t trespass onto private land beyond the towpath or bank, and if anyone asks what you are doing – refer them to the IWA's website.
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