Local residents are being asked to help 'bash the balsam' and banish a green leafy invader from our riversides.
Himalayan Balsam is an alien plant species that has flourished along waterways across the country and the weed is now increasing its hold along the River Bollin. If left, it can increase the risk of flooding and river bank erosion, prevent access to the river for recreational activities and harm native wildlife.
To help tackle the problem The Environment Agency's Mersey Life Project has teamed up with Cheshire East Council and the Bollin Valley Partnership to hold The Big Balsam Bash. This is where volunteers of all ages get together to pull up the balsam from a range of sites along the river.
Volunteers from United Utilities, The Friends of the Carrs and Lacey Green Primary School have all been invited to the launch event at The Carrs on Friday, June 17th. It is hoped that this event will raise awareness of the project and help recruit volunteers. The National Trust will also be in attendance with an information trailer.
Last year a week of similar events attracted more than 300 volunteers and this year organisers are hoping to do even better, with two weeks of activities planned.
Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: "Foreign species such as Himalayan Balsam are particularly aggressive plants that cause big problems for our local eco system.
"Last year saw a great response from the community to tackling the problem and I am sure this will be repeated, if not bettered, this year."
Keith Ashcroft, area manager for the Environment Agency, said: "Himalayan Balsam is a particular problem in this area of the North West.
"The invasive plant takes over flood banks, preventing us from carrying out vital flood risk work in communities and in winter when the plant dies back, it leaves banks bare and exposed to erosion."
The launch event at The Carrs on June 17th runs from 10am-3pm and everyone is welcome to attend. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Further events are arranged at The Carrs on Sunday June 19th from 2pm to 4pm, Quarry Bank Mill on Wednesday 22nd June from 10am until 3pm, Wilmslow Park on Monday 27th June from 10am to 3pm and at Twinnies Bridge in Wilmslow on Tuesday June 28th from 10am until 3pm.
If you would like to join one of the events pleases email Emma Houghton at the Bollin Valley Partnership or call 01625 374790.
