Nach math a rinn an Himalayan Balsam am bliadhna?
Hasn't the Himalyan Balsam done well this year? There must have been plenty of nitrogen in the last drop or two of rain because the change over the last two days has been remarkable. The species has just gone ballistic this year up the river, the most massive growth so far perhaps. The patch in the image is down by the railway bridge and is now up to 10ft high in places and still growing. Each year it takes over more of the river bank, pushing out the native species that are essential for the healthy relationship between the ecology of the water and the life forms on the river banks. Each year complaints are made to the authorities but nothing gets done. Perhaps the Highland Council ranger mannie could make a start with a scythe before the seed-heads start popping? Or failing that perhaps oor Graham could take a day or two off from the voluntary beach litter-picking and set aboot this monster relative of the Bizzie Lizze (even with the sledgehammer you've set aside for the Regal Graham?).
5 comments:
Its not likely that they will be cut down,its like the giant hogweed between Nairn and Auldearn the authorities don't seem to have got the message...--KEEP CUTTING IT DOWN --EARLY SUMMER..BEFORE IT SEEDS-- EVERY YEAR- or it will invade every spare inch of country side. A lot of its seeds are windborne but most are washed down riversides and burns, its not pretty and can be quite dangerous.
Maybe some poor soul will suffer its consequences and SUE the council for neglect.
If you have a bit of time and a spade Giant Hogweed is relatively easy to deal with. It is a biannual and just establishes itself the first year and then seeds the next. Around 100,000 seeds per plant if my memory is correct.
What you have to do is whack it in year one or two with a spade a couple of inches below the surface. Nine times out of ten that works and saves having to spray.
There has been efforts by the council to sort it on the lower River Nairn under their control and they seem to have done reasonably well. The problem is that you have to start behind it, it usually follows the watercourses and thus you've got to get it where it starts and keep at it for several years. It would need a coordinated approach between landowners, authorities etc.
And then of course there is the Japenese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed would be easy to eradicate in comparison with that stuff.
Cawdor and Kilravock estates have both sprayed Giant Hogweed this year from Cawdor to Howford. As I fish up there, I notice a lot of plants have been missed and are seeding away. The exercise is futile unless it is done properly. There are forests of the stuff up river and the seeds wil continue to be carried downstream. Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed are also rampant and taking over. A look over Howford Bridge will confirm.
Their action against Hogweed is to be welcome. Any seeds from previous years will also be viable for several years too so it is an ongoing exercise. There are health and safety issues involved when working near watercourses with a huge knapsack sprayer on your back. It was quite a few years ago but I believe someone actually drowned whilst spraying over the border in Morayshire.
It might not be safe to go for some plants with a sprayer depending on the conditions, level of water etc.
We have been dealing with Hogweed in Canada recently. What I have had success with is coving the bloom with a large garbage bag tying it off tight while I work so not to lose any seeds. I then dig the plant out as best I can and burn the bastard!
It is very important to wear long sleeves and eye protection as the sap can cause serious burns when it comes into sun light!
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