For Affinity Water
Invasive Species Survey and control for Himalayan balsam
We helped eradicate invasive Himalayan balsam from the River Mimram, a rare and valuable habitat for many species.
Restoring diversity
Our client wanted to restore diversity to the River Mimram in Hertfordshire. We were commissioned to undertake a programme of Himalayan balsam control, so we began with detailed maps, highlighting zones for trained operatives to carry their hand-pulling, strimming and flailing management. One of our ecologists was always on site to supervise.
Over 13km of river was surveyed. We confirmed that 7km was free from Himalayan balsam, and control was to be implemented on the remaining 6km.
On the road to eradication
One year later, a further 5km of river was confirmed to be free from Himalayan balsam. As the seeds can survive in the soil for up to three years, the project will continue for a number of years – with the ultimate goal of eradicating Himalayan balsam from the River Mimram.
