As you may have heard we have made remarkably good progress over the last three years in our fight to control Himalayan Balsam (and Japanese Knotweed) throughout our catchment by spraying and follow up hand pulling as part of our Going Native Project. To date we have treated a total of 48kms of: the Honddu, from Llanthony down stream; the Monnow from Cloddock and the Dore from Abbey Dore in 2010 and this year from Alt Yr Ynnis down to between Garway and Skenrith. The results have been very impressive to the extent that on one previously very dense 3 acre stand of HB we found no HB plants at all this year, after the third year of treatment. As a result we are confident that we can achieve effective eradication of this majorly problematic weed.
We are reliant on our brilliant contracted spray team lead up by George Woodward assisted by 2 or 3 others each day to do the initial spraying and their great work has meant we have covered 21kms of new ground this year, treated all of the areas that we have worked on in previous years and that we could well be able to reach our target of the confluence with the Wye, in Monmouth in 2012, a year ahead of schedule!
We follow up the initial spraying with hand pulling, visiting all sites 3 or 4 times each to ensure that no HB plants go to seed, finishing in October, when, hopefully the frost will have killed any remaining plants off.
For the last three years members of the Monmouth Office of the Environment Agency Wales have taken one or two days of their annual leave each year (as part of the EA’s admirable policy of giving their staff two additional days leave to carry out environmental good works) to come and hand pull with us and they have been instrumental in us achieving such great progress. I am delighted to report that they are able to support us again this year. In addition we have been supported by other groups and individuals, including Brecon Beacons National Park, Keep Wales Tidy and many, many individuals and I thank them all for their help and faith in our Project and look forward to their continuing support.
Now we need everybody’s help whether angler, walker, land owner or simply somebody with the good of the river at heart!
On the weekend of 8th, 9th and 10th July 2011 we intend to hand pull all the areas that we have treated this year for the first time, from Alt yr Ynnis, near Pandy down to Garway and perhaps beyond.
You can help: If you have a stretch that you fish please enlist the help of fellow anglers and your and their families and friends do hand pull HB for all or part of at least on of these days but please let me know where you will be working so that we can coordinate and have a record of your hours worked.
If you do not have a specific stretch to aim at we will be coordinating all volunteers so drop me an email on robert.denny@virgin.net or ‘phone me on 07976 926672 or 01432 880636, letting me know the day that you can come and I will let you know where and when to meet.
All you will need is suitable outdoor clothing (preferably with long sleeves – HB grows well with nettles and brambles!) and footwear, gardening gloves are advisable, a packed lunch and liquid refreshment.
Going Native has achieved widespread national and local recognition. This project, when complete will mean that the Monnow is the first significant catchment in England and Wales to have eradicated Himalayan Balsam which will hugely benefit our flora and fauna and our enjoyment of this beautiful part of the world. For more details of our organisation and of Going Native please take a look at our website.
Finally, do forward this email and spread the word to as many businesses with a similar policy on employees leave for goods works, your friends, family and anglers and groups who you think might be able to assist as possible.
Many thanks for your support