Himalayan Balsam
Himalayan Balsam, also known as Indian Balsam and Policemans Helmet, is an invasive non-native annual plant which has quickly infested the banks of British waterways shading out the native British plants that stabilise river banks through our winter months. Himalayan Balsam is now a real concern across the UK due to the ongoing erosion of waterways and the adverse impact it is having on our native flora and fauna.
Key Points
Legislated non-native plant species- Plant regenerates easily from seeds
- Soils containing viable seeds are classified as ‘controlled waste’
- Shades out our native flora and results in loss of habitat for fauna
- Easily spread by infested soils or along watercourses
General Information
Man first arrived in Britain about 8,000 years ago and virtually all new land plants that have become established since this date have been brought here by humans. We call these new plants non-native species.
Not all non-native species are bad – it is only a minority that have serious negative impacts on our native British species, our health or our economy. These species we call invasive non-native species.
No they are not. Interestingly the plant species which arguably is often found to be the most destructive, Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is actually a native plant species. It certainly can still be invasive while being native and also very difficult to manage as many gardeners will testify.
While non-natives such as Japanese Knotweed are legislated to control movement; natives are not legislated because they are native to Britain.
As the name would suggest we specialise in the management of Japanese Knotweed. We do however also manage Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam and other controlled plant species even the lesser known ones. We are not just restricted to land species we also advise on aquatics and semi-aquatics. We also manage and control native species too – in particular the mighty Horsetail.
We can help you find the best way to solve your particular problem. We will not try to upsell or exaggerate your situation – we will simply provide your options / explain your situation and associated risks – then work with you until the solution which is right for you presents itself. Simple!