IWA North Staffordshire and South Cheshire Branch has resumed its campaign against this invasive plant this year. Volunteers took part in two work parties in the Churnet Valley to clear Himalayan Balsam during June. This non-native species crowds out other plants and dies back in winter. It then leaves canal and river banks bare, which increases erosion and the need for dredging.
The first work party was an evening session on the Leek Arm of the Caldon Canal around Longsdon. Volunteers cleared much of the Himalayan balsam growing on the embankment which overlooks Deep Hayes. Another session took place on the Uttoxeter Canal where volunteers cleared swathes of the plant around Bridge 70 at Crumpwood. Volunteers from Canal & River Trust and Caldon & Uttoxeter Canals Trust joined the branch for both work parties.
help us clear Himalayan Balsam
More sessions on both canals are planned – contact [email protected] if you would like to get involved.
