On behalf of CCW I would be grateful if you could communicate the following information through the Ceredigion bird website. I realise that it is not directly bird-related, but if birdwatchers are out-and-about in the Ystwyth valley we would like to hear from them if they see this plant.
River Ystwyth Himalayan Balsam Project
The Environment Agency Wales and Countryside Council for Wales are beginning a control programme in June to attempt to clear Himalayan Balsam from the River Ystwyth.
Himalayan Balsam is a highly invasive introduced plant growing up to 2 metres tall. It is an annual, producing up to 800 seeds each year which it can scatter widely with explosive seed pods. The seeds particularly favour river banks and gravel and it is rapidly increasing along the River Ystwyth. Whilst its big showy pink flowers can seem attractive for a few weeks between July and September, its vigorous growth shades out our wild flowers and the insects that depend on them. On the River Rheidol it already dominates large areas, whereas on the Ystwyth it is hoped that there is still a chance to control it before it becomes too well-established, at least in the upper stretches.
EAW and CCW are employing a local contractor to walk the River Ystwyth and pull up the Himalayan Balsam along its banks. This will be carried out in June, before it has a chance to set seed. Growth from seeds already in the banks will need to be cleared in subsequent years.
We will be issuing a press release, and distributing posters and leaflets to Post Offices and shops in the Ystwyth valley. If anyone would like a copy of the poster or leaflets, or for further information and to report sightings (Ystwyth Valley only), please contact:
Karen Heppingstall (k.heppingstall@ccw.gov.uk) or Aline Denton (a.denton@ccw.gov.uk) 01970 821100
or Hilary Foster (Hilary.foster@environment-agency.wales.gov.uk) 01792 325624
Many thanks