Himalayan Balsam is a non-native invasive plant that takes over riverbanks, causing harm to the delicate ecosystems of plants and animals. Bournemouth Water is part of an established partnership to combat this harmful non-native invasive species. Read on to find out what the problem is with Himalayan Balsam and what we’re planning to do about it.
Why is Himalayan Balsam harmful?
Himalayan Balsam is damaging because it out-competes native species in ecologically sensitive areas, such as riverbanks. This means native species can’t get the space, light, nutrients, and pollinators they need, so they die off. This has consequences for the insects that rely on those native plants, and the birds and animals who rely on the insects for food.
Himalayan Balsam dies back completely in winter, leaving riverbanks bare and prone to erosion. The bare riverbanks get destabilised as there are no roots to hold them together, causing erosion and increased flood risk. Erosion caused soil to crumble into the river, where it degrades water quality by silting up the rivers, suffocating fish eggs & invertebrates.
A partnership to clear our riverbanks
For the third consecutive year, we've supported BCP Council in a major cleanup effort. Together, we've removed enough Himalayan Balsam to fill a staggering 40 large rubble bags from the gardens, downstream of our Alderney Water Treatment Works.
Saska McGrath, our Strategic Environment Manager, expressed our commitment: "By taking proactive steps to remove Himalayan Balsam, we're helping to prevent its spread and long-term environmental damage. Working together, we can restore local ecosystems, reduce bank erosion, and lessen the risk of flooding in the Bourne Stream catchment. This partnership is making a real impact on our environment."
At Bournemouth Water, we're passionate about protecting our local biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. By taking action against invasive species like Himalayan Balsam, we're making a positive difference for our community and our planet.
Find out more about invasive non-native species and how you can help stop them from spreading.