On Saturday, we supported the Himalayan Balsam bashing session organised by Houston 2050. Himalayan balsam is an invasive species not native to the UK and is particularly prolific, with each plant responsible for hundreds of seeds. It spreads very quickly and significantly reduces biodiversity where it grows. The good news is that it’s an annual plant and removing it before it goes to seed is very effective.

On Saturday, 20 volunteers from Houston and Bridge of Weir got together to make a dent in the balsam population along the mill lade path between the villages, a popular walking route along the Gryffe. Equipped with trailer, bags and supported with first aiders, water, sample plants and botanical information, we set to pull as many young plants as we could manage in two hours.

It was a beautifully sunny day and quite a fun activity. Afterwards, the River Inn treated us to tea/coffee and cake which was very well received. Biodiversity is of course one of our focus areas, so we are keen to support future balsam bashing sessions and other initiatives to control invasive species, as well as create areas for biodiversity and building or maintaining nature corridors.