'Balsam bashers' uproot almost two million plants

Volunteers have been invited to final "balsam bashing" events in a bid to uproot a target of two million invasive Himalayan balsam plants by the autumn.

Eden Rivers Trust has hosted several days this year to pull out the non-native plant - recognisable by its pink bonnet-shaped flowers and thin stems - from Cumbria's riverbanks, paths and fields.

Originating from the Himalayas, it was introduced to the UK by the Victorians as a garden plant but spread into the countryside, where it causes native plants to disappear and increases erosion risks.

The trust said the plant was "super easy to pull out", but added action was needed before they grow too big.

Trust invasive species officer, Alastair Penny, said in ecologically sensitive areas like the Eden catchment, Himalayan balsam were "more than just a nuisance".

"They smothers native plants, outcompeting them for light and space until they disappear," he said.

"It leaves riverbanks bare in winter when it dies back, increasing the risk of erosion and spreads rapidly.

"Its lightweight seeds are carried easily by wind, water, and even unsuspecting walkers and pets."

The flowers on the plant have 3cm-long pods and when they are ripe and touched, up to 800 seeds can be propelled a distance of up to seven metres.

Penny said although the plant was particularly prevalent along the River Eden and throughout the Eden Valley, it was also a widespread problem across the UK.

"Just 10 plant stems removed can stop 8,000 plants growing the following year," he said.

"That's why we set such ambitious targets for this plant's removal."

The next event will be held at Matterdale End, near Penrith, from 10:00 to 15:00 BST.

The final day of the "bashing" season takes place in Matterdale on 10 September.

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