Invader is rooted out (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Invader is rooted out

Himalayan Balsam is a plant that has invaded our shores and imposes a stranglehold on any area it takes over.

But the pink peril as it is better known, looks as if it might be on its last legs on one Swindon stream.

Over the past two years, the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has been battling against the alien flower that has invaded the banks of the River Ray and its tributary Westlea Stream.

And now the group is claiming its members have beaten the menace, which has stopped other plants growing near the river because of its greed for nutrients.

Volunteers from Nationwide were at Westlea Stream yesterday trying to remove the last remnants of the plant.

Himalyan Balsam is also known as Policeman's Helmet and is a native of the Nepalese mountains.

It is a threat to the wildlife on Swindon's riverbanks as it shades the river so that kingfishers will be less likely to use it.

It also crowds out native wetland plants.

Swindon Wildlife Officer Neil Pullen said: "I would like to thank all those who have taken part in balsam bashing.

"Your efforts have paid off and the amount of Himalayan Balsam growing in the stretches pulled last year is insignificant.

"We are therefore working our way up stream back to the source in an attempt to eradicate this invasive alien."

The next eradication session will be held on June 23 at 6pm.

For more information call 01793 526228.

Jamie Hill