Last year’s Himalayan Balsam “Big Pull” was a great success, as throughout the summer community groups and individual volunteers of all ages helped in the fight against this invasive species. From June to September over 800 volunteer hours were logged tackling the Balsam alongside the canals and waterways of the Churnet. Local scouts, anglers, canal and railway volunteers all pitched in to help, working on areas of the Churnet and Caldon Canal from Longsdon down to Alton. Gerry Grant one of the CVLLP volunteers said ”It’s great to feel involved in this concerted effort to protect native wildlife in the Churnet Valley by helping to remove this problem plant.”
Himalayan Balsam (botanical name impatiens glandulifera) was introduced into Britain in the mid 19th century by Victorian gardeners and this aggressive plant is now overtaking large areas of the valley, crowding out our native species and exposing our stream and river banks to erosion, so pretty as the Balsam may look we are trying to remove it from our waterways.
We are asking for your help again during Big Pull Week 19th -27th July, either by removing the plants whilst out walking or by joining one of the work parties the Churnet Valley Living Landscape Partnership (CVLLP) will be coordinating at various hotspots in the area. Already we have the following “Pulls” arranged:
- The Holly Bush Denford Monday 21st July 19:00-21:00 organised by Inland Waterways Association.
- Dimmingsdale Wednesday 23rd July 10:00-15:00 organised by CVLLP.
- Cecilly Brook Cheadle Thursday 24th July 10:00 -15:00 organised by the Friends of Cecilly Brook.
- Consall Thursday 24th July 10:00 – 15:00 organised by Inland Waterways Association.
Details can be found on our website calendar or contact Helen Anderson on 01538381356 or email: HelenAnderson@smcvs.co.uk