Himalayan Balsam

If you see Himalayan Balsam along the paths, please feel free to pull it up

Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera is a relative of the busy Lizzie, and has become a major invasive weed problem particularly along soft damp ground such as river banks and ditches. They are efficient colonisers, when the seeds ripen, they explode and can be ejected several feet from the mother plant. As a consequence the plants can quickly take over an area, reducing biodiversity and causing erosion.

The RHS has some good information on the plant here.

If you are able to lend a hand and pull them out, your kind help is much appreciated.

• Your safety first! Take care and make sure you don't fall into the river.
• They are easy to pull out, but please wear gloves as they often grow among nettles and brambles.
• The further down you can grab them, the more likely they are to come out in one piece.
• Please pile up between the river path and the fence. It helps to stomp on the roots, so they don't re-root.