Weybridge Society supports Thames21 project on Wey banks - Volunteers needed.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 31st Jul 2011 | 9:30 | Brooklands Museum car park |
The Weybridge Society is supporting a Thames21 project to clear Himalayan Balsam from the banks of the Wey adjacent the new path into Brooklands. Volunteers from the Society Transport Panel found Himalayan Balsam when clearing the path into Brooklands and approached Thames21 for advice. We need more volunteers to help clear this invasive weed and help protect the Wey and the Thames.
Thames21 is an environmental charity working with communities to bring London's waterways to life. Thames21 mobilise thousands of volunteers every year to clean up waterside grot-spots, remove graffiti and create new habitats for wildlife. Thames21's partners include British Waterways, ENCAMS, the Environment Agency, Port of London Authority and Thames Water. Thames21 works on the River Thames and its tributaries.
Himalayan Balsam was introduced to the UK in 1839 and is now a naturalised plant, found especially on riverbanks and in waste places where it has become a severe problem weed. Himalayan Balsam shades out other vegetation killing off other plants. An annual growing up to 10ft tall; between June and October it produces clusters of attractive purplish pink (or rarely white) helmet-shaped flowers. The seed pods open explosively when ripe, dispersing up to 800 seeds per plant that can be shot up to 7m (22ft) away. The plant is spread by humans or, once established in the catchment of a river, the seeds, which can remain viable for two years, are transported further afield by water. Eradicating Himalayan Balsam from the Wey will help control its spread along the Thames.
The first session in this project will be Sunday 31st July from 0930-1230. Why not come and help us? Tools will be provided but you can bring your own boots and gloves if preferred. We’ll meet in the Brooklands Museum car park. Further sessions will be arranged later in the year. If you would like to volunteer for this or future sessions please contact Tony Palmer on 07947 806009.
