WILDLIFE experts threw a party to thank hundreds of volunteers who have helped tackle the menace of non-native plants in the New Forest.
Organised by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust the celebration was attended by many of the people who have taken part in a project to combat the spread of Himalayan balsam.
The plant has colonised large areas beside rivers and woods in the Forest and other parts of the country, smothering many indigenous species.
It was introduced into the UK in 1839 as a greenhouse and “warm garden” plant but escaped into the wild after a few decades.
Himalayan balsam continued to advance at an ever-increasing rate, especially after the Second World War.
With its pink orchid-like flowers it is generally regarded as an attractive plant and enthusiasts spreading its seeds far and wide are thought to be responsible. And the explosive fruit pods can fire seeds several metres, making it even easier for the plants to proliferate.
This year almost 248 volunteers have donated 2,250 hours of their time to the New Forest Non-Native Plants Project.
The volunteer work parties included uniformed youth groups and other organisations including Bournemouth
Water, Scottish and Southern Energy and the Royal Yachting Association.
National Trust volunteers joined forces with local residents to tackle Himalayan balsam on the banks of the
Cadnam River and Forestry Commission rangers carried out similar work along the Beaulieu River.
Non-native plants have also been removed from the Lymington River and its tributaries – Passford Water and the
Mill Lawn Brook.
The control of Himalayan balsam is one of the projects financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund through a New
Forest landscape partnership scheme called Our Past, Our Future.
Led by the New Forest National Park Authority the five-year project aims to restore lost habitats, develop Forest
skills and inspire a new generation to champion and care for the area.
Anyone interested in taking part in next summer’s Himalayan balsam work parties should call 07770 923315 or email Catherine.Chatters@hiwwt.org.uk.
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