White Rose Lane Nature Reserve-Removing invasive Himalayan Balsam

On Sunday May 29th, the Woking Biodiversity group session at White Rose Lane Nature Reserve made an early start on clearing the invasive Himalayan Balsam. Though not yet in flower, the balsam can be easily identified and is already well established, particularly in areas not cleared last year.

Himalayan Balsam is one of the most problematical non-native invasive weeds in the UK. It invades riverbanks and ditches where it prevents native species from growing and can cause serious erosion of the banks. The balsam can also spread into gardens.

Armed with a new brushcutter donated by Affinity Water and slashers, as well as pulling up balsam plants by their roots, the team made good progress in clearing some of the central area of the reserve.

There is lots more to do, with another session planned for Sunday 26th of June. We will meet at the wooden bridge entry to the site at 10am. The session will finish at 1pm. Please wear long trousers and long -sleeved tops to guard against the nettles. Please bring gloves and drinks. Biscuits will be available.

You can park in the small area opposite the entrance to the Derry’s Field allotments: postcode GU22 9HU, walk down the alley and take the path on the right which will lead to the bridge.