The Friends of The Carrs will be hosting their first Balsam Bash of the summer on Sunday June 23rd, to further reduce the Himalayan Balsam on The Carrs.
This annual event started seven years ago because although the Balsam looks attractive it grows very quickly and smoothers all the other plants, preventing them from growing. The consequence is a marked fall in the diversity of plant life on The Carrs and therefore in the insect and birds as well.
Colin Shepherd, chair of Friends of the Carrs, said "The Himalayan Balsam is an invasive species that the Friends have gradually ben reducing in extent on The Carrs with considerable stretches of the river bank now cleared along with most of the perimeter hedges. Where we have been successful in clearing the Balsam the natural, indigenous, vegetation has returned and this spring has been looking very lush."
No experience or skills are required to take part in the Balsam Bash, just a willingness to hack down or pull out the plant.
There will be a further Balsam Bash on Sunday July 21st. On both dates volunteers should meet 2pm at the parish hall car park. All equipment will be provided.
Colin added "The Friends of The Carrs are part of BEACON (Bollin Environmental Action and Conservation) launched earlier htis year to bring together various organisations and groups along the River Bollin and its tribuaries in an increased effort to remove not only the Himaayan Balsam but also other invasive species from the River Bollinand its catchment area.
"Thanks to this new intiative and the full time officer of BEACON there are visits being made by local Guides and Scouts to The Carrs this summer to help us further with the eradication of the weed."
