Hunting the Himalayan balsam

Brave footsoliders are needed for an epic assault against the destructive forces of the Himalayan balsam plant. The battle will be waged along the River Derwent on Saturday August 7 in a what organisers are calling ‘a final push’ to halt the tall, pink-flowered invader, which smothers riverside habitats, harms native plantlife and leaves bare, eroding banks when it dies down.

The latest offensive comes at a crucial time. The non-native species needs to be pulled up before its seed-pods explode, and members of the Calver Weir Restoration Project and Peak District National Park Rangers have the Himalayan balsam on the run.

“Himalayan balsam bashing has gone very well over the last few weeks,” says Calver Weir environmental project manager Nick Quaife. “Stoney Middleton Primary School kicked off ‘the season’ when they came along to Calver Marshes in June and were filmed by ITV Central News. Since then, I’ve had Dronfield Cubs, Westfield School, Brunts Barn Garden team, Chapel-en-le-Frith High School, the Peak Park Conservation Volunteers and Duke of Edinburgh Award participants, along with many members of the general public. As a result, large areas have now been cleared between Stoke Brook and Froggatt Old Bridge. We’d be very grateful if anyone else would like to come along on August 7 to help.”

The Himalayan balsam bashing day at Calver takes place on 7 August between 10am-3pm. Recruits should meet at Calver crossroads (junction of A623 and A625) at 10am, bringing a packed lunch, drink, sturdy footwear and waterproofs. Please call Karen Harrison on ✆ 01629 816290 (weekdays) to give her an idea of numbers.