Join Southampton National Park City and Southampton City Council for an afternoon tackling invasive Himalayan balsam around Southampton’s waterways. This time we’ll be focusing our efforts around Monks Brook and Woodmill areas.
What’s the problem with himalyan balsam?
Himalayan balsam (impatiens glandulifera) is an invasive plant species in the UK, originally introduced as an ornamental plant from the Himalayas. While it has attractive flowers, it spreads rapidly and outcompetes native plant species. This has several negative impacts on the local ecosystem:
Habitat Displacement: It grows quickly densely, shading out native plants and reducing biodiversity. This can lead to the loss of habitat for native wildlife.
Soil Erosion: When it dies back in the winter, it leaves riverbanks vulnerable to erosion, as its shallow root system does not provide much stability to the soil.
Flood Risk: The plant often grows along riverbanks and streams, where it can exacerbate flooding by impeding the flow of water and increasing sedimentation.
Reduced Water Quality: The plant can contribute to nutrient runoff and siltation in water bodies, which can degrade water quality and harm aquatic life.
We’re keen to tackle as much as possible in this area before the plant begins to seed (typically late summer), causing it to spread further – migrating downstream by the waterways – to other areas of the city.
What should I expect?
A few hours of good camaraderie in the outdoors! And you’ll be able to leave knowing you’ve made a great impact in supporting the health and biodiversity of the river Itchen.
Please note that the nature of the event means that we will be working outside for the duration, often in uneven and overgrown areas, and with limited access to facilities such as running water and toilets.
What should I bring?
We’ll be working outside in some quite areas that are likely to be damp, muddy and overgrown, so please do bring and wear things that will help protect you from the elements. We recommend:
- Water bottle and any snacks you might need
- Gardening gloves wherever possible (plus, any extras you may have if you’re happy to lend a pair or two out for the event)
- Depending on the weather – sun lotion and sun hats and/or waterproofs!
- Wear long sleeves and long trousers to protect yourself from potential brambles and nettles
- Appropriate sturdy footwear that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy
Is there anything else I should know?
Whilst there are no mimum age restrictions for this event, please note that all under 18’s must be supervised by an accompanying adult throughout.”
