River conservation charity, Eden Rivers Trust and an army of local volunteers were out in force to remove Himalayan Balsam, an invasive non-native species (INNS) blighting water courses within the Eden catchment area.

Appleby, Daleraven Bridge, Wetheral, Dalston, Warcop and Heads Nook all saw teams of volunteers removing and destroying thousands of plants, helping to reduce its spread.

Himalayan balsam is a major problem in an ecologically sensitive area such as the Eden catchment. It overshades and outcompetes smaller, native plants, leaves bare, exposed riverbanks at risk of erosion when it dies back in winter and produces lightweight seeds easily carried by wind and water – spreading the problem downstream.

Ali Penny, balsam basher extraordinaire and INNS champion for Eden Rivers Trust said:

“This plant is a super-spreader that has been on the rampage along riverbanks in the Eden catchment. Every year, each plant can produce up to 300 seeds which can then be transported by the river, by wind and by humans.

“Thanks to the amazing efforts of volunteers, we are seeing a major reduction in targeted areas. With regular efforts, we are tackling this invasive invader, helping to re-establish our native flora and fauna and helping to reduce riverbank erosion.”

The weekend’s activities were organised as part of the ‘Action Against Invasives project’, part of the Access to Eden: breaking barriers, building bridges partnership led by Eden Rivers Trust with a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

How you can help

1. Report where Himalayan balsam is lurking. You can download a free INNS Mapper phone app from your app store and log where you see Himalayan balsam (or any other invasive, non-native species) when you’re out and about.
2. When walking the dog or out enjoying some time by the river – it’s really easy to pull out the plant and all ages can do it. You can download a FREE handy guide from Eden Rivers Trust ’s website giving you information on how to do this safely and effectively. edenriverstrust.org.uk/your-eden/wonderful-wildlife/himalayan-balsam/
3. Join Eden River’s Trust on one of its regular Balsam Bashing workparties. Email payne@edenrt.org for more information.

The ‘Action against invasives project’ is supported by Access to Eden: breaking barriers, building bridges – a partnership led by Eden Rivers Trust with a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

INNS Mapper is a UK-wide app that calls on the general public to upload their sightings of invasive, non-native species so that organisations such as ourselves can see where to tackle next!

Download it from your app store.  

If you are aware of Himalayan balsam, American mink or any other invasive non-native species on your farmland or in the surrounding area, please get in touch with Ali on 01768 866788 and join the fight to get rid of these unwelcome invaders!