AWEG tackles Himalayan Balsam

A large team of AWEG (Audlem Wildlife & Ecology Group) members turned out yesterday to clear a rapidly expanding patch of Himalayan Balsam from the marshy area off Green Lane near to Audlem Brook.

Himalayan balsam or Impatiens glandulifera is a relative of the Busy Lizzie, but reaches well over head height, and is a major weed problem, especially on riverbanks and waste land, but can also invade gardens. It's an Annual which grows rapidly and spreads quickly, smothering other vegetation as it goes.

It's important to pull it out or cut it back before the seeds set. Yesterday's party pulled a large patch and piled it into a mini-mountain where it will rot down quickly.

After an intense spell of hard work for almost two hours, it was pointed out that the team had put considerably more effort into the job than some highly paid compatriots at Wembley the day before. It was then agreed a good job had been done by all, which is more than you can say for the footballers!

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