Warning of Invasive Plants Damaging Habitats in Happy Valley
| Published: 6th July 2008 09:08 |
Friends of Ladybrook Valley who are a small, but enthusiastic community group of volunteers who care for Happy Valley, one of Bramhall's Local Nature Reserves.
Have issued a warning and wish to enlighten the local Bramhall community about invasive plants?
You may not know, but whole habitats can be destroyed by invasive alien species (non native), as they are usually fast growing, domineering and have no natural enemies. They shade out native plants and alter the character of large areas, sometimes leaving soil unstable, which can cause erosion and landslides.
In Happy Valley there are 3 species of invasive plants - Japanese Knotweed, New Zealand Pigmy Weed and Himalayan Balsam. We, as a group, are struggling to control the latter 2 plants. Himalayan Balsam is covering whole swathes along the river bank and the New Zealand Pigmy Weed, without doubt, will eventually destroy one of our ponds.
Eleven years ago, when we first formed, up to 40 people turned up to our Balsam Bash task days and at the time, the difference made by the removal of this plant was quite significant.
We would like to stir people into committing a little of their time to help us remove these invasive plants. Even just half an hour's help can achieve so much, especially with large groups of volunteers.
We have organised an "Action Earth Day" on Sunday 13th July, when we will be tackling the New Zealand Pigmy Weed and on Sunday 14th September we are having our second Balsam Bash. We meet at 10am, at the pond behind Bramhall High School and we usually finish by 1pm. Please come along and offer your help, it will be gratefully received. The difference you could make for nature would be incalculable. "
If you would like more information then visit http://www.happyvalleybramhall.co.uk/ or email info@happyvalleybramhall.co.uk
Community Comment:
Add your comment:
You will need to sign in to post a comment to this article. if you do not have an AboutMyArea account, you can join now for free.
