Update on Himalayan Balsam

Here is an update from Bev Lewis of the National Park Authority on Himalayan Balsam:-

Himalayan Balsam: It is also known as Policeman’s Helmet, due to the shape of its flowers, and it’s Welsh name is Jac y Neidiwr. It’s an invasive non-native annual plant that forms dense stands outcompeting our native wildlife and leaving river banks subject to erosion as when it dies back in winter it leaves bare ground. It is easy to pull up early on in the season as it has a shallow root system but beware of pulling it up later in the year as it produces explosive seedpods which can then spread.

A key part of the strategy to control invasive plants is to know where they are, you can report sightings of Himalayan Balsam in the Park here: https://record.bis.org.uk/.

If you know of any Himalayan balsam west of Brecon on the River Usk please e-mail [email protected] as we are still trying to locate the uppermost source of Balsam on the Usk catchment.

For more information on the project contact Beverley Lewis 07854997508