alsam ashing Games - BEACON – Bollinbeacon-bollin.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/BEACON...Himalayan balsam has very shallow roots and so is very easy to pull up, and in June will

The BEACON quick guide to balsam bashing

PICK YOUR SPOT Choose a suitable location for the balsam bash. Make sure it’s easily accessible, has los of balsam, and it’s ideal if there is parking nearby. Check with whoever owns or manages the land that you can have your bash there. If there is a river nearby you’ll have to take extra care.

DO THE RISK ASSESSMENT Once you’ve decided where the bash will be, fill out the risk assessment included in this pack to minimise hazards whilst you’re out bashing.

SET THE DATE Set the date for your bash and do some advertising using posters and press releases included in this pack, or good old word of mouth. Make sure you have people to help lead the event with you, and make sure everyone knows to wear suitable outdoor clothes to your balsam bash.

GET YOUR KIT TOGETHER Make sure you have everything you need for the balsam bash. A kit list is included on the reverse of this sheet. Cameras to capture the mo-ment are a must!

BASHING DAY! Don’t forget the games on the reverse of this sheet, and sweetie prizes. These are just as popular with adults!

Share your bashing story online or through a press releases. It might inspire others to pull some balsam….

This guide will give you all the information you need to set up a balsam bash and have fun doing it...

Gloves for all attendees First Aid Kit Throw line if you have one Alcohol hand gel/hand wipes Copy of the risk assessment Himalayan balsam identification sheet Sweets for prizes Camera

MOST BALSAM Divide the group into teams, and everyone has 7 minutes to pull up as much Himalayan balsam as possible. Each team makes their own bal-sam pile, and the team with the biggest pile wins!

Balsam Bashing Kit list

TALLEST BALSAM Divide the group into teams, and everyone has 5 minutes to work to-gether and find the tallest piece of Himalayan balsam they can. The team with the tallest plant wins!

Balsam Bashing Games

BALSAM RELAY Divide the group into teams and get them to line up one behind the other. When the leader says ’GO’, the first person from each team runs to some balsam and pulls up ten plants. The puller has to count the number of plants they are pulling up out loud. Once the puller has 10 balsam plants, they run back to their team and put the balsam in the team pile. The next person at the front of the line goes and picks ten balsam plants and so on. The winners are the team whose mem-bers finishing pulling their balsam first.

Make sure you have plenty of sweets at the ready...

For a successful balsam bash you will need:

Method Statement for Himalayan Balsam Clearance Work

Balsam Bashes – XX/XX/2014 Site Locations Listed

Intro The sites, have been infested Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) for at least the past three years, and it is known that this infestation has increased in density over this time period. Small stands of Himalayan balsam have been controlled at these sites by ??? and local volunteers previously, but the above Balsam Bashing events mark the start of a concerted effort to control Himalayan balsam in the area. The Site The sites are located at OS Grid reference: SJ XXX XXX The areas where the Himalayan balsam can be found are adjacent to the River Bollin, and River Dean and occur on the water’s edge, to Xm back from the river. The balsam can be safely accessed by foot to pull up stems as the banks are flat and sound. In areas where the riverbank has eroded the volunteers will be told to avoid these places. The hazards of working adjacent to water have been identified in the accompanying risk assessment and appropriate measures will be taken to minimise this risk. Methods of Removal In order to control Himalayan balsam at these sites manual removal of the balsam will be undertaken. In taking volunteer experience into account it has been decided that this is the most effective means of controlling this invasive species. Himalayan balsam will be pulled out by hand by ??? and local volunteers in easily accessible and safe areas. Himalayan balsam has very shallow roots and so is very easy to pull up, and in June will be between 1m and 1.5m tall, so there will be little to no bending required. Once pulled up, all balsam will be put in piles where they will not cause an obstruction, and left to decompose. Staff and volunteers will be equipped with high-vis vests, gloves and required to wear sturdy boots for the activity. Summary

• The sites have been infested with Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) for at least the past three years, and some attempts have been made to control this.

• Himalayan balsam is found on the water’s edge, to 7m back from the river. • The Himalayan balsam will be hand pulled and then left in piles to decompose. • This is the most effective means of controlling the spread of this invasive species.

For more information please contact:

Balsam Bashing Event

This is supported by the BEACON project For more information please contact….

01625 415 199 [email protected]

BollinNonNatives

@SallyBeacon

www.beacon-bollin.org.uk

Himalayan Balsam is an invasive non-native species that is

threatening the countryside.

Help stop the spread by joining us for FREE Balsam Bashing

event. ALL ages and abilities can join in!

http://www.facebook.com/BollinNonNatives

http://www.twitter.com/SallyBeacon

Himalayan Balsam Bashing Event Risk Assessment – Adult Groups

Nature of hazard Worst outcome Groups at risk Current precautions Estimation of risk Further precautions

Weather

Chill risk/ exposure/heat stroke

Group leader, and adults in group

Adults in group to where appropriate clothing. Stop work if anyone becoming too hot/cold.

Severity of hazard : Moderate

Likelihood of event : Possible

Adequacy of controls : Fair

Terrain and Obstacles

Slips/ Trips/ Falls Group leader, and adults in group

Advise adults in group to wear appropriate boots with ankle support.


Likelihood of event : Likely

Adequacy of controls : Good

Highlight risks to balsam bash attendees during introductory talk.

Bending and Pulling

Pulled muscles/fatigue

Group leader, and adults in group

Remind adults in group how to bend safely and not to pull out balsam very well rooted in the ground.




Balsam will not be tackled until May-July time when it is approximately 1m tall to reduce amount of bending required.

Water

Drowning/Death Group leader, and adults in group

Highlight dangers of working near water during introductory talk. Ensure group stays together and and at least 2m away from water.

Severity of hazard : Serious



LOCATION ASESSOR NAME DATE

ACTIVITY Himalayan Balsam Bashing

Members of the public

Site is open to members of the public

Group leader, adults in group

Remind adults in group to be aware of people and dogs. Keep paths / routes of access clear.




Continuous monitoring of this during activity.

Dogs and associated biohazards

Toxocaris/Dog Attack

Group leader, adults in group

Let everyone know site is open to the public and to be aware of dogs. Let event attendees know about risk of biohazards and to be aware of them.




Continuous monitoring of this during activity. Attendees encouraged to leave dogs in cars or at home.

Bites/Stings/Scratches

Anaphylaxis Group leader, and adults in group

Group leader to attempt to make sure activity takes place away from areas with lots of nettles and brambles. Also avoid areas where there are lots of insects/bees.




Make sure that group leaders aware of any people with severe allergies.

Litter Tetanus/Disease Group leader, and adults in group

In introductory talk everyone will be told to leave litter if found during the task, and to be aware of sharp edges or broken glass.




Group leader will have first aid kit and will also carry alcohol hand wipes.

Traffic Collision/Death Group leader, and adults in group

Before heading to work site, group will be warned of traffic dangers and the importance of staying together as a group when walking along the road and crossing roads together.




Continuous monitoring of this whilst walking to and from balsam bash site. Group leader will stop group to cross roads and ensure group stays together.

Giant Hogweed Allergic reaction/burns

Group leader, and adults in group attendees

Before undertaking work, group will be warned of dangers of Giant Hogweed and how to identify it. Group will be told not to pull balsam




Continuous monitoring of this whilst working on site. Areas where Giant Hogweed is present will be avoided.

in areas also infested with hogweed.

Assessment carried out by Date of previous assessment

Job title Date of this assessment

Signed Next assessment before

Important mobile phone numbers

Group Leader Name: Number: Accompanying Adults Name: Number: Name: Number: Name: Number: Name: Number:

First Aid Kit Present YES NO

Throw Line Present YES NO

Closest Hospital with Accident and Emergency Dept.

Hospital Name:

Hospital Address:

Hospital Phone Number:

Accident and Emergency Dept Opening Hours:

IN CASE OF A REAL EMERGENCY DO NOT

HESITATE TO CALL 999

ADDITIONAL SATEFY INFORMATION

Himalayan Balsam Bashing Event Risk Assessment – Young People

Nature of hazard Worst outcome Groups at risk Current precautions Estimation of risk Further precautions

Weather

Chill risk/ exposure/heat stroke

Group leader, young people and adults in group

Advise young people and adults in group to where appropriate clothing. Stop work if anyone becoming too hot/cold.




Terrain and Obstacles

Slips/ Trips/ Falls Group leader, young people and adults in group

Advise young people and adults in group to wear appropriate boots with ankle support.


Likelihood of event : Likely


Highlight risks to balsam bash attendees during introductory talk.

Bending and Pulling

Pulled muscles/fatigue


Remind young people and adults in group how to bend safely and not to pull out balsam very well rooted in the ground.




Balsam will not be tackled until May-July time when it is approximately 1m tall to reduce amount of bending required.

Water

Drowning/Death Group leader, young people and adults in group

Highlight dangers of working near water during introductory talk. Ensure all young people stay near adults and at least 2m away from water.




LOCATION ASESSOR NAME DATE

ACTIVITY Himalayan Balsam Bashing

Members of the public

Site is open to members of the public


Remind young people and adults in group to be aware of people and dogs. Keep paths / routes of access clear.




Continuous monitoring of this during activity.

Dogs and associated biohazards

Toxocaris/Dog Attack


Let everyone know site is open to the public and to be aware of dogs. Let event attendees know about risk of biohazards and to be aware of them.




Continuous monitoring of this during activity. Attendees encouraged to leave dogs in cars or at home.

Bites/Stings/Scratches

Anaphylaxis Group leader, young people and adults in group

Group leader to attempt to make sure activity takes place away from areas with lots of nettles and brambles. Also avoid areas where there are lots of insects/bees.




Make sure that group leaders and adults in group aware of any people with severe allergies.

Litter Tetanus/Disease Group leader, young people and adults in group

In introductory talk young people will be told to leave litter if found during the task, and to be aware of sharp edges or broken glass.




Group leader will have first aid kit and will also carry alcohol hand wipes.

Traffic Collision/Death Group leader, young people and adults in group

Before heading to work site, group will be warned of traffic dangers and the importance of staying together as a group when walking along the road and crossing roads together.




Continuous monitoring of this whilst walking to and from balsam bash site. Group leader will stop group to cross roads and ensure group stays together. Adult helpers will also supervise this.

Giant Hogweed Allergic reaction/burns


Before undertaking work, group will be warned of dangers of Giant Hogweed and how to identify it. Group will be told not to pull balsam



Continuous monitoring of this whilst working on site. Areas where Giant Hogweed is present

attendees in areas also infested with hogweed. Adequacy of controls : Fair will be avoided.

Assessment carried out by Date of previous assessment

Job title Date of this assessment

Signed Next assessment before

Important mobile phone numbers

Group Leader Name: Number: Accompanying Adults Name: Number: Name: Number: Name: Number: Name: Number:

First Aid Kit Present YES NO

Throw Line Present YES NO

Closest Hospital with Accident and Emergency Dept.

Hospital Name:

Hospital Address:

Hospital Phone Number:

Accident and Emergency Dept Opening Hours:

IN CASE OF A REAL EMERGENCY DO NOT

HESITATE TO CALL 999

ADDITIONAL SATEFY INFORMATION

Species Description

Key ID Features

Scientific name: Impatiens glandulifera AKA: Policeman’s Helmet, Indian Balsam, Jac y Neidiwr (Welsh) Native to: West and central Himalayas Habitat: Found mostly on river banks and in damp woodland, can grow in other damp habitat .

Himalayan Balsam

For more information visit www.nonnativespecies.org

Produced by Olaf Booy, Max Wade and Vicky White of RPS

Leaves and side branches arise from stem joints

Leaf may have reddish mid-rib

Leaves opposite, or in whorls of 3-5

Slender to elliptical

Leave have finely serrated edges

Up to 15cm long

Stem is hollow, sappy, fleshy and brittle

Stem green to red early in the year, turning pink to red in summer

Up to 2m tall

Short roots with distinctive structure

Side shoots / roots form along the stem

2.5 to 4cm long Pink (rarely white) often with spots and markings inside

Trumpet shape with wide petals

Sweetly scented

Seed capsule, approx 2.5cm long, hanging on red stalks. Explode on touch when ripe.

Seeds

App

rox

2.5

cm lo

ng

A tall, attractive, annual herb with explosive seed heads. Although easy to iden-tify as a mature plant with its pink-purple flowers, fleshy stem and characteristic leaves, the seedlings and last year’s dead stems of this annual are more difficult to spot. Introduced as a garden plant in the early 19th century and first recorded in the wild in 1855. Often favoured by the general public for its aesthetic appeal and is still deliberately planted on occasion. Now widespread in the UK, especially along urban rivers. Spreads solely by seeds, which are small and easily carried by wind or water. Out-competes native species in ecologically sensitive areas, particularly river banks. Where it grows in dense stands along river banks it can impede flow at times of high rainfall, increasing the likelihood of flooding. Die back of extensive stands over winter can leave river banks bare and exposed to erosion. Himalayan balsam is listed under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with respect to England and Wales. As such, it is an offence to plant or otherwise allow this species to grow in the wild. For details of legislation go to www.nonnativespecies.org/legislation.

Identification throughout the year

Photos from: Olaf Booy, Mike Harris, Max Wade

Flowers slightly earlier, June to August

Can be identified at most times of the year: March-June by its seedlings, stem and leaf shape, from July to September by its stem, leaf shape and flowers. More difficult to identify over winter (October to February), look for hay like remains and distinctive root structure.

Distribution Widespread and common across the whole of the UK. Primarily on riverbanks and in other damp areas.

References and further reading:

Blamey, M, Fitter, R and Fitter, A (2003) “The Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland. The Com-plete Guide to the British and Irish Flora”. A & C Black

Preston, C D, Pearman, D A and Dines, T A (editors) (2002) “New Atlas of the British and Irish Flora”. Oxford University Press

Stace, C (1999) “Field Flora of the British Isles”. Cambridge University Press

Similar Species

Hay like remains in winter Root structure in winter

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Flower is similar in shape but orange in colour Smaller than

Himalayan balsam, growing to a height of 1.2m

Smaller leaves, with fewer serrations

Orange balsam is much less aggressive than Himalayan balsam, forming smaller less dense stands

Orange Balsam Non-Native (Impatiens capensis)

Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera

Control of invasive non-native species

BEACON’s vision is to have a river catchment free from invasive species where our natural wildlife thrives. This will be achieved through

surveys and monitoring, education, awareness raising and local action.

A local project is currently underway with the aim of tackling Himalayan Balsam in this area.

We are asking local landowners and other interested parties to help us in this task.

Please get in touch, using the contact details

below for further information.

A downloadable identification sheet for this species is available at www.nonnativespecies.org

Separate leaflets are available outlining the legal requirements and responsibilities for landowners.

The correct disposal of plant material is vital because there is a high risk of spreading the problem further.

Contact the Environment Agency (England and Wales) or SEPA (Scotland) for advice on disposal.

Environment Agency - Tel: 08708 506 506

www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Further information may also be found on the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology web pages:

http://www.ceh.ac.uk/sci_programmes/AquaticPlantManagement.html

©GBNNSS

Himalayan Balsam grows in dense stands that holds back the growth of native flowers and grasses .

In autumn the plants die back, it leaves the banks bare

causing erosion and landslips.

GBNNSS April 2010 For disclaimer see www.nonnativespecies.org

Distribution map - Himalayan Balsam Source: Botanical Society of the British Isles (2010)

Introduced to Britain in 1839, it escaped from gardens and rapidly

colonised river banks and areas of damp

ground.

Phone: 01625 415 199

Mob : 07825 115 303

E-mail: beacon-

[email protected]

Norcliffe Farm Barns

Styal Road

Wilmslow

Cheshire.

SK9 4HZ

BEACON Invasive Species Project

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/

Non-chemical control

Cutting Cut at ground level using a scythe, machete, flail or strimmer before the flowering stage in June. Cutting earlier than this will promote greater seed production from plants that re-grow. Cutting should be repeated annually until no more growth occurs. Pulling Shallow-rooted plants can be pulled up very easily and disposed of by burning, or composting unless seeds are present. Grazing Grazing by cattle and sheep is effective from April throughout the growing season. It should be continued until no new growth occurs. Chemical control

Glyphosate Treat with a weed wipe in mixed stands, or by foliar spray in dense stands, before flowering. If all plants are controlled, then spraying should only be required for two to three years.

In general It is essential to establish vegetation quickly after control measures have been applied. A dense grass sward is ideal as it tends to discourage seed germination. Control should be undertaken on a catchment basis, working from the upstream end to prevent seed recolonisation.

Control

Control measures should aim to prevent flowering, and are best carried out before June for maximum effective-ness. BEACON (Bollin Environmental Action and Conservation) holds ‘Balsam Bashing’ days where people from all walks of life get together to eradicate Himalayan Balsam by pulling it up and cutting it down. If you could help on one of these Balsam Bashing days, or have some land where Balsam needs bashing please get in touch using the contact details on the back.

Control methods for Himalayan Balsam

The image above shows the early spring growth, or rosette stage. The mature stems are pinkish-red, hollow and jointed, often with some branching. Leaves and side branches originate from stem joints. The stem is sappy and brittle. The shiny dark green leaves are lance-shaped, have serrated edges, a dark red midrib and can be up to 150mm long. They grow on the stem in whorls of three. Purplish-pink flowers, held on long stalks, appear from June to October.

©Snowdonia National Park Authority

The white, brown or black seeds are produced from July to October and are 4-7mm in diameter.

©GBNNSS

The characteristic purplish-pink slipper-shaped flowers appear in June. When the seed pods mature, they

explode when touched, scattering the seed up to 7m away. Seeds are also spread by water and they may remain viable

for up to two years.

After Event Press Release

<<LOCAL GROUP>> Fights Invaders

Local group <<Name>> have tackled invasive plant species that are taking over <<location>>, in the Bollin catchment. <<Name of group>> have joined conservation group BEACON in its battle against the aggressive weeds, which are driving out native species with disastrous consequences for the countryside. On <<date>>, <<name of group>> were joined by <<number of>> volunteers to control Himalayan balsam at <<location>>. Himalayan balsam was introduced by Victorian botanists from the Himalayas and Taiwan because they thought is was exotic and pretty. However, the plants couldn’t be contained and were first recorded in the wild in the mid 1800s, spreading far and wide ever since. Across the world, the spread of non-native species is the second biggest cause of biodiversity loss and the impact has certainly been felt around the Bollin. Himalayan balsam is most effectively controlled by hand-pulling it, which is very easy to do as the plants are have very shallow roots. <<Name of spokesperson>> from the <<name of group>>, said: “<<Quote from the group – including how many people took part, why the group organised the event, and what benefit it is hoped the work will bring>>.” “BEACON is trying to control and eradicate non-native species that can do real harm to the local environment,” said Sally Potts, Invasives Project Officer for the Bollin Environmental Action and Conservation group, “We work with communities and landowners across the catchment in a co-ordinated way to control these species and raise awareness.” If you would like information on BEACON please visit www.beacon-bollin.org.uk or email [email protected] <<Links to more information on group carrying out balsam bash>> Editors notes

• Across the world, the spread of non-native species is the second biggest cause of biodiversity loss.

• As well as Himalayan balsam, BEACON works with local communities and landowners to tackle Japanese knotweed and Giant hogweed as well.

• These invasive weeds can be found across the Bollin catchment area, which includes all the tributaries, meres, brooks and streams connected to the river, such as the River Dean and Mobberley Brook. Areas affected include Macclesfield, Prestbury, Wilmslow, Knutsford, Mobberley, Lymm, Hale and Bowdon.

http://www.beacon-bollin.org.uk/

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

alsam ashing Games - BEACON – Bollinbeacon-bollin.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/BEACON...Himalayan balsam has very shallow roots and so is very easy to pull up, and in June will