Balsam bashers get to work wage war on invasive species

Thousands of invasive plants were removed from a Lancashire nature reserve when volunteers from United Utilities got to work balsam bashing.

The volunteers from the water company joined forces with Hyndburn Prospect Foundation to clear a patch of land near Jack House Reservoir in Oswaldtwistle. 

Hoscar, Ormskirk, that had become overwhelmed with the balsam.

Mike Shiels, a Delivery Manager at United Utilities explained: “Our team works to deliver water projects across Lancashire and Cumbria so it was great to take a break from our day jobs to this environmental charity with some hands-on activity that will have a positive impact on Jack House Reservoir.

“Himalayan balsam spreads very quickly near watercourses and has a negative impact on water quality by contributing to riverbank erosion and disrupting the natural ecosystem along riverbanks.”

In just half a day the team cleared thousands of the harmful plants.

Mike added: “Unfortunately the weather was challenging but it was worth it to see the difference we had made working alongside volunteers from the charity.”

Himalayan Balsam is a non-native invasive plant introduced by the Victorians in the early 1800's. Controlling balsam helps to restore habitats by preventing the plant from outcompeting native vegetation.

Removing it can improve biodiversity by making space for other plants to thrive.