Himalayan Balsam is 'overwhelming' Trafford conservationists

Volunteers for Trafford Wildlife have been battling Himalayan Balsam in Firs Wood near Carrington Moss since last summer, in a method known in conservation as 'balsam bashing'.

The plant, so called due to its introduction to the UK from India during the 1800s, is seen as invasive due to its tendency to kill off other plants wherever it is growing.

Also known as policeman's helmet, bobby tops or copper tops due to the shape of its flowers, it can grow up to three metres and can produce up to 800 seeds per plant.

Balsam was introduced in the 1800s.

It dies back in the winter, causing even more problems on the riverbanks on which it grows as these are left bare and exposed to erosion.

And although the plant is simple enough to remove by pulling it up, its sheer invasiveness is 'overwhelming' Trafford Wildlife.

Janet Turnbull, a volunteer for the group, said: "Last summer, my attention was drawn to the balsam flourishing in Firs Wood.

"A number of local residents with time on their hands during lockdown came to help to cut it down, but as it was already in flower it was too late to stop the seeding.

"This year, we started in mid-May, with a few volunteers working in the Firs Wood area on Saturdays and Sundays, but it's a big area and the task sometimes feels a bit overwhelming."

The volunteers started earlier this year.

In response, Trafford Wildlife is inviting new volunteers to join the fight against balsam.

All that is needed is a pair of gardening gloves, as well as a few hours spare on a weekday or a weekend.

The 'balsam bashing' work is likely to go on until August, when it will be too late to stop the plant seeding.

Trafford Wildlife do other work such as litter picking, hedge laying, tree planting and woodland management.

To help Trafford Wildlife, visit the group's website.