Himalayan Balsam is an invasive, non-native species that has become widespread across the country. Listed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to plant or otherwise allow this species to grow in the wild.
Bracken House has a relatively minor problem with the plant as small clumps of it grow in the stream, over the whole length of the land. As the stream ultimately flows into the River Erewash, control of the plant is necessary.
Two years ago, Chris Jackson, Biodiversity Officer of the Nottinghamshire Biodiversity Action Group, visited Bracken House and confirmed the existence of Himalayan Balsam. He spent a couple of hours pulling as many plants as possible, although he wasn’t able to tackle a clump growing in nettles where the stream crosses Bracken House’s boundary.
A tall, attractive, annual herb, Himalayan Balsam has explosive seed heads, and a single mature plant can produce 30,000 seeds. The plant out-competes native species, particularly in river banks. If allowed to flourish, it can impede the water flow and aid erosion of the banks.
We have the Victorians to thank for the spread of the plant as they introduced it in the early 19th century. The plant was first recorded in the wild in 1855. The River Erewash and the River Leen are now well infested with the weed.
On Wednesday 10th October, I attended an invasive non-native species workshop at Attenborough Nature Centre when the control of Himalayan Balsam was discussed. The workshop also covered Water Fern, Non-native Crayfish, Japanese Knotweed and Floating Pennywort.
American Mink were also discussed at length, as were several species not yet present in the county, but could easily be introduced if care is not taken.
This was my first visit to Attenborough Nature Centre, and it is a place I will definitely visit again with my camera.