\n She says: \u201cWhat a wealth of information your column has produced re. the Himalayan Balsam. I am so pleased I got in touch.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n She was delighted that there were contributions from fishermen and bee-keepers: \u201cAs much as I like honey I wouldn’t go for the Balsam type, it would seem unpatriotic!\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Himalayan balsam flowers (Image: Submitted)\n<\/p>\n
\n She was also very impressed with the advice from Chloe Lawrence, Invasive Species Project Manager at Tees Rivers Trust: \u201cReally good that they have got other groups involved. I think that’s what’s needed and maybe the \u00a33m grant means more publicity for Himalayan Balsam\u2026It was interesting that if plants are removed from site, it is considered controlled waste and needs a licence. I will have to remember that – and how would that tie in with the advice from Darlington Borough Council to put it in a garden skip?\n<\/p>\n
\n “But yes – burning on a woodland site, well, you just wouldn’t do it! Some of the verges round here now seem to have been cut right back to hedge, so that should help. Thanks again for mentioning HB in your column!\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n Mick Garratt also contacted me to share his experiences.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cLast winter, the Tees Rivers Trust was actively seeking local volunteers to help survey and remove Himalayan Balsam along the River Leven.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Unfortunately, I was away when the training was scheduled, and the opportunities didn\u2019t happen after I returned\u2026However, I did record sightings on the INNS Mapper app, as they had requested (INNS = invasive non-native species).\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n \u201cI also know of a property-owner in Yarm along the riverbank who has chosen not to remove the plant because they think it looks pretty!\u201d\n<\/p>\n
\n That is one of the drawbacks.\n<\/p>\n
\n Its prettiness means people do not appreciate the damage it is doing to our riverbanks and the flora and fauna that surrounds them.\n<\/p>\n
\n They may also be mistaking them for similar-looking more welcome plants, such as Rosebay Willowherb and Purple Loosetrife, which have similar leaves and flowers.\n<\/p>\n
\n On another note, I\u2019m delighted when people find my old columns which trigger memories prompting them to get in touch.\n<\/p>\n