The BIG Big Pull
July 21st, 2015
Over 200 people of all ages from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints provided Helping Hands to clear an invasive plant called Himalayan Balsam from the Three Brooks local nature reserve in sweltering heat on Saturday 11 July.
The church volunteers joined forces with the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group, the Avon Invasive Weeds Project and South Gloucestershire Council to help control this ecological menace on the reserve.
The Mormon Helping Hands programme brings together members to provide community service. Established in 1998, around 20,000 hours of service are donated annually by British Mormons to their communities. A church representative said: This has been a great opportunity to partner with local groups and show what can be achieved when we work together as organisations.
Though a beautiful plant, Himalayan Balsam rapidly spreads, smothering existing plants which reduces biodiversity and changes the soil so that less invertebrates (mini beasts!) are present which are vital within the food chain for all wildlife in an area. Balsam dies back in winter, so a further problem is erosion along stream and river banks caused by bare earth being washed away, which also effects water quality and can cause flooding.
The good news is that volunteers from the Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group and its sister group the Green Gym have been working for many years to clear the reserve. The glorious range of wild flowers to be seen this summer (including orchids) are the result of their determination and hard work. Balsam has a very shallow root and with its distinctive leaves and flowers is easy to spot and pull up for people of all ages. As one of the church volunteers said: A very satisfying activity. My children really enjoyed it. We will be back! .
If you are interested in getting involved to help us look after this beautiful reserve with a wide range of tasks throughout the year we would love to hear from you. The Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group is a thriving, friendly group of local people who welcome all to come along and join in with activities. The group works in close partnership with South Gloucestershire Council providing an invaluable contribution to the management and care of this beautiful haven for wildlife and people.
For further information please visit the Three Brooks website www.three-brooks.info or contact [email protected]
10 a Day campaign
The Three Brooks Nature Conservation Group are launching a 10 a Day campaign inviting all those walking on the reserve to pull up 10 Balsam plants when out for a walk. So next time you are walking the dog, watching the ducks or enjoying a stroll it would be great if you could help us and pull ten plants a day! When pulled, Balsam plants are best left to rot down where found or draped over brambles to prevent re rooting. However do make sure you know which plants to pull as there are other pink flowering plants on the reserve! Once plants starts seeding in August it is best to leave them alone to prevent the risk of carrying the seeds elsewhere .
For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/thebigpull, www.nonnativespecies.org/checkcleandry/ or contact [email protected]
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