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Wildlife lovers wage war on plant invader
WORRIED wildlife lovers are launching an all-out assault on an alien plant invader which is spreading out of control in a picturesque Sheffield valley.
The Himalayan Balsam is a giant flowering plant with pretty pink flowers, but its rapid spread is threatening rare and protected native plants in the Moss Valley.
Introduced in the early 19th century it grows up to 18ft tall, chokes natural vegetation and leaves bare and unsightly ground. It also has an over-powering balsam smell.
Now the Moss Valley Wildlife Group has been awarded 9,000 from the Lottery for a "concerted and professional" eradication drive.
It will pay for Hallam Environmental Consultants to manage the initiative during June and July. Volunteers are needed to pull the shallow-rooted plants out by hand.
Celia Jackson, secretary of the Moss Valley Wildlife Group, said: "We are delighted to be awarded this grant. We can now make a real difference to what has been a continuing problem in the Moss Valley."
Moss Valley is on the Southern edge of Sheffield, between Coal Aston and Eckington.
Other groups involved include the Three Valleys Project, Derbyshire County Council and Natural England.
Dr Ian Rotherham of Sheffield Hallam University, an international authority on alien plants, says: "Children and adults love the exploding seeds; hence the folk names like Jumping Jacks and Stinky Pops.
"But the Himalayan Balsam running riot in a precious and unique area like the Moss Valley is a real menace. This project is a great example of a local group, dedicated to conserving the wild nature on their doorstep taking practical action. We are also grateful to the Lottery Fund for supporting this vital local work."
To volunteer, even if only for one or two days, contact Celia on 0114 2480529 or Christine Handley of Hallam Environmental Consultants Ltd on 0114 2724227.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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