Staff from Bournemouth Water have taken part in a clean-up operation along the Bourne Stream, working with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council to remove a harmful invasive plant.
Five volunteers rolled up their sleeves on one of the hottest days of the year to pull out around a tonne of Himalayan Balsam by hand. The plant, which was introduced to the UK in the 1800s as an ornamental flower, now poses a threat to biodiversity by spreading quickly and displacing native species.
It thrives in wet, semi-shaded areas like the Bourne Stream and can produce up to 800 seeds per plant, allowing it to colonise riverbanks and damage habitats. The removed plants were left to dry safely to prevent regrowth.
The method used, known as “pulling,” is a simple and environmentally friendly approach that helps stop the plant before it seeds.
Bournemouth Water said the work forms part of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. Environment Officer Gemma Morgan thanked BCP Council for involving them, adding it was “a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with colleagues doing something to protect our local environment.”