IT HAD TO COME
EVENTUALLY!!
Yes - it is most definitely that time of year. The time when INNS (invasive non-native species) need putting in their place - BIG TIME! This week was the turn of the Himalayan Balsam along the banks of the river Nidd between Millenium Bridge and Pateley Bridge.
And yes. You're right. The NCVs have cleared this stretch a number of times. But the stuff just keeps popping up from the seed bank already in the soil. So - everyone girded their loins and set off to pull and slash as appropriate. Here they are in action.
Now Anita - be careful not to
fall into the river.
Everyone had their eyes peeled
looking for those tell tale leaves
or flowers.
Occasionally it was found growing
in more difficult to reach places.
That's it Brenda - just lift
your leg a bit higher.
Coffee time could be taken
near the facilities of the scout hut,
where everyone sat in a line.
There were some places where
there were plenty of plants....
...and others where there
were hardly any.
It does grow in surprising places
such as in the fork of this tree...
...or even in the neck of a broken
beer bottle!
By lunchtime we had reached
the bandstand...
...where we found.....
balsam growing!!
In fact - quite a lot of it.
There were plenty of benches
for a lunchtime rest...
splinter group crossed over
to the island to do a quick check.
Overall this stretch is definitely
better than last time.
And for anyone who is wondering what the gang got up tp whilst the editor was on holiday last week .......
They were up at Low Riggs farm ensuring tree tubes were upright and removing any that were not needed. Despite the extremely hot conditions they managed to work through until 1:30 before collapsing back into the mini-bus.
It wasn't easy to find them in the
tall bracken.
Lots were removed but were carefully
stored for re-use. They were too good
to send for recycling.
Everyone was particularly pleased
with the new folding craft knives
that Liz has bought.
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