Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) is an invasive terrestrial plant species that was first introduced in 1839 as an ornamental garden plant. Since it was introduced, it has spread rapidly as it has adapted to our climate and has the ability to develop thousands of seeds.
It is a tall annual plant (completes its life cycle in one year) and due to its rapid growth, it shades out most of our native species, leaving banks bare in the winter time.
The species is particularly frequent in damp soil areas such as along the banks of watercourses, where it often forms continuous stands. It can also establish in damp woodland, flushes and mires.
Join us as we attempt to eradicate this plant from an area of the C2C track in Beamish.
We will be meeting at 10am at Eden Place picnic area. If you arrive after this time please cross the road at the entrance to the car park, turn right and make your way onto the C2C track to find us.
Please come along dressed for the weather (whatever that might be) with sturdy footwear and long sleeves and trousers as we will be working amongst the vegetation and some of it stings. Bring along a drink and a snack for yourself. A pair of gardening gloves are essential also.