What, Where and When?
This CITO (Cache In – Trash Out) Event is being organised in conjunction with The Blackwater Conservation Group and offers an introduction to their work controlling the Invasive Species, Himalayan Balsam.
It is your chance to do a bit for your Environment by pulling up these pretty plants for half an hour, or longer if you are enjoying the company – it is a very social activity - and going away suitably rewarded with a CITO log and a biscuit.
The Event will be at the Event Coordinates on a bridge (Hint!) midway along the Public Footpath between the Park and Trailhead coordinates.
The Event will run from 1030 for at least an hour, but probably until 1230 if the weather is as good as the company. Because some may tut and say, “Oh, but I’d like to bring the children”, or “Some of us still Work!”, we will also run the Event from 1800 to about 1900, when we will retire to the Refreshment coordinates. We will be glad to see you there too – excellent beer and a good garden for children, dogs and bikes. But you only get a CITO log for helping with the Balsam Pulling.
What is this Alien from The Himalayas, and why Banish it?
Introduced to the UK in 1839, Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is a relative of the Busy Lizzie, but reaches well over head height, and is a major weed problem, especially on riverbanks and waste land. It grows rapidly and spreads quickly, smothering other vegetation as it goes. It is an annual, and dies back after distributing its seeds in late summer. This leaves the river banks bare and without vegetation to prevent erosion during the winter, leading to clogged watercourses and flooding. The devastation also includes our wildlife. Water voles lose their habitat and food. Gravel river beds are covered with black rotting plant material, putting many invertebrates at risk and fish such as salmon and trout are unable to spawn without clean gravel.
Know your Balsam
Conservation bodies up and down the country tackle this problem, and the cornerstone of their efforts are usually pulling the plants up before they set seed. In areas of severe infestation, this is an annual war of attrition, and gradual improvement. As the plants are shallow-rooted, they are really easy to pull up, and you can soon build a pile of plants which can safely rot away. In some open areas, it is possible to scythe them. Chemical spraying is a last resort solution restricted to professionals, and carries the risk of polluting the watercourses we are trying to help.
Pulling Balsam
Who and What are Blackwater Conservation? Sounds like a job for The Environmnent Agency
The Blackwater Conservation Group was formed to protect the landscape and ecology of the Blackwater Valley for future generations. Its group of conservation volunteers focus on the environmental effects of water pollution and invasive species on the River Blackwater, which is sourced from several streams flowing down from the escarpment in the south east corner of Wiltshire along the northern edge of the New Forest National Park. The river initially runs west to east before curving round to the south as it crosses into Hampshire and flows down to join the River Test near Totton. Unlike many of the chalk streams and rivers in Wiltshire that are alkaline, the Blackwater contains water from boggy woodland sources and as a consequence is acidic in nature.
The group are independent and organise their own volunteer tasks whilst at the same time maintaining links, and working in conjunction with, professional organisations such as the New Forest Land Advice Service, New Forest National Park Authority, Environment Agency and the Freshwater Habitats Trust.
Some plants are quite tall
OK, you won me over, what do I need to bring?
The stream is quite shallow; wellingtons are good if you want to paddle, but you can stay on the bank sides and in the damp stuff so “stout footwear” is fine. Shorts and T-shirt are for those who shrug off stinging nettles. Most of us wear long sleeves. If you have any skin allergies, do wear gardening or disposable gloves as a few people react to the sap from Balsam.
Do bring adequate water and your own refreshments;- althogh we will pass round the chocolate biscuits!
H&S Caution: You are attending a Geocaching Event and are empowered to be entirely responsible for the safety and conduct of your party, including children and dogs. Blackwater Conservation Group are unable to take on any liability for your party, but will advise on “Best Practice” and will have a qualified First Aider present.
Finally…...
Please log to say you will Attend, and if it will be for the morning or evening session. A clue to numbers in your party would be appreciated, and if you might take refreshment at The Cuckoo.
The suggested parking spot is also the starting point for GC364TQ Langley Wood, which offers an enjoyable tour of our local National Nature Reserve.
And the “Hint”? well we are meeting on a Little Bridge!