Himalayan Balsalm is a widespread invasive species in Britain. It is very damaging, causing riverbank erosion, and forming dense stands that increase the likelihood of flooding and reduce or prevent native plants, as well as negatively impacting other biodiversity (more information from the Wildlife Trusts).
It competes with native plants, drawing pollinators away from them. Himalayan Balsam produces and disperses seeds very vigorously, which makes it very invasive.
One of the ideas from the Dyffryn Peris Climate Action Plan was “Start mapping the invasive species (e.g. Himalayan Balsam) and who is doing what about them already”.
This was part of the wider Dŵr a Thir (Water and Land) working group, who have the following aims:
- Increase knowledge of what is here already, identifying and mapping habitats, biodiversity and invasive species to guide our approach.
- Take a place by place approach, avoiding ‘blanket solutions’ and working with landowners to create a patchwork of responses suited to place.
- Support the flourishing of habitats, species of plants, trees + animals in the right places for biodiversity, flood management and food production.
The solution?
Himalayan Balsam is being mapped with the “INSS Mapper” app, community leaders are being trained and we are organising regular ‘pulling’ days over the spring and summer each year.
We have been working with landowners, the community and schools in Dyffryn Peris to work towards these goals. Voluntary efforts are focusing on high ground near Afon Hwch and Afon Caledffrwd to start with, and working down from those places.
In April 2024, Himalayan Balsam Clearing training was organised with Cymdeithas Eryri (Snowdonia Society) for 9 people to learn how to lead clearing groups safely and effectively.
Here is a video from June 2024 with the children of Ysgol Dolbadarn, Llanberis who filled 4 tonne sacks of Balsam!
Want to be a part of this? Contact Lowri on peris@gwyrddni.cymru