Name: Volunteer Session - Newnham Meadows Invasive Species Control - Tues 18 June
Start: 2024-06-18T10:00:00+01:00
End: 2024-06-18T15:00:00+01:00
Location: Newnham Meadows Local Nature Reserve, Newnham Road, Plymouth, UK

Volunteer Session - Newnham Meadows Invasive Species Control - Tues 18 June

Help us improve biodiversity in Newnham Meadows by controlling the invasive species; Himalayan Balsam.
About this Event

Volunteer Session - Newnham Meadows Himalayan Balsam Pulling

Led by one of our National Trust rangers, we will be removing Himalayan Balsam.

~ WHY? ~

Himalayan balsam is an invasive, non-native species introduced to the UK in the mid-19th Century as an ornamental plant. It grows on riverbanks and ditches, stopping native species from growing. The plant is fast-growing and spreads very quickly across wet habitat. Each plant can produce up to 800 seeds and has explosive seed pods that are then carried downstream, spreading the seed even further. Because of this, it is ideally pulled before it seeds.
After these dense clumps of vegetation die back in the winter, the ground is left bare and vulnerable to erosion. This in turn causes damage to habitats along banks and riversides, such as fish spawning beds.
~ HOW? ~
We pull the Himalayan Balsam out by hand as it has very shallow roots. It is then hung over tree branches to dry out and die.

Please note that this is weather dependent - if it is extreme wind or rain we will reschedule.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join some of the Plymouth Natural Grid team and find out more about the work that we do. If you are interested in joining us on a regular basis, there will be an opportunity to register at the end of the session as a Plymouth Natural Grid Volunteer!

This session is suitable for all those (18+) interested in nature and the outdoors, whether you want to meet other like-minded people or are looking to learn more about it.

PLEASE CHECK MEETING LOCATION (May differ from map location)

Meeting point: TBC

Parking: TBC

Please bring: Appropriate clothing and a packed lunch and water. A safety talk and necessary training will be provided prior to the session.

Please register on Eventbrite so we know you are coming. All welcome, no prior knowledge is needed. No dogs please.

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For any Enquiries, please email: [email protected] or phone 077 7300 0433.