unusual

[clive ibotson]

policemans helmet spotted in willow brook

[clive ibotson]

policemans helmet spotted in pytchell

[clive ibotson]

https://www.nanaimo.ca/assets/Departments/Community~Planning/Environmental~Planning/Invasive~Plant~Management/PolicemansHelmet.jpg

[Russell Brown]

Uh Oh.  That's Himalayan Balsam isn't it?  If so that's Bad News

It's very very invasive and the bees love it so much that other species don't get pollenated; thereby amplifying its invasive nature. There's also a belief that honey with a high balsam content tends to granulate quickly making it hard for the bees to use in the winter months (it goes solid).

My folks live by the side of a river and this stuff went from 'Ooh that's a pretty plant' to completely dominant monoculture within a couple of years.

The Good News is that it's easy to pull up and if done so before it seeds the spread can be contained.

[wildplaces]

There's some behind the horsewater which I'll be pulling when I do the next clearance job down there.
The patch on the Pytchell is quite large, and needs a specific job down there. I'm happy to do it , but it wont be until after the 'Bugs' day on Maltings Green, which is on 2nd September. Too much to do down there for now, so if someone else wants a go, get stuck in (just don't fall in the willowbrook !)