Volunteers are being sought to help clear a destructive species of plant from a Gedling waterway to help protect wildlife.
Himalayan balsam, a non-native species, outcompetes native plants on riverbanks, reducing biodiversity and reduces the food that attracts some of the birds to the area.
Each year the Gedling Conservation Trust runs a campaign to eradicate Himalayan balsam from Ouse Dyke, which runs beside the Netherfield Lagoons Local Nature Reserve and historically has attracted kingfishers and herons to fish in it.
The Trust are now helping people will come forward to help with this year’s campaign.
The chair of the Trust , Mark Glover said: “Last year’s clearance was a huge success but the work now need to go on – to build upon previous work.
“This year’s balsam plants are beginning to grow, but the plants are small and easily pulled out.
“Last year we managed to clear some 650 metres of balsam down stream from Teal Close and there is very little evidence of plants growing along this stretch. This a major achievement and the transformation to the bankside vegetation is dramatic – allowing native species to thrive.
“So this year we want to continue with the work, pushing further on down stream towards the river Trent.”
The dates and times of this year’s sessions are as follows:
Friday, May 16th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Wednesday, May 21st, at 10.00 am
Friday, May 23rd at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Friday, May 30th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Friday, June 6th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Friday, June 13th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Wednesday, June 18th at 10.00 am
Friday, June 20th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Friday, June 27th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Wednesday, July 2nd at 10.00 am
Friday, July 4th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Friday, July 11th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Wednesday, July 16th at 10.00 am
Friday, July 18th at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm
Wednesday, July 30th at 10.00 am
Thos wanting to take part should meet at the end of Teal Close:
People wanting more information can call the Trust on 07850 768337 for more information.
