Campsie aliensto be bashed

Derry City Council and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) have teamed up for a spring balsam bashing event on Saturday, April 28 at 2pm at Campsie Bridge.

The aim is to reduce the amount of the aggressive Himalayan Balsam along the River Faughan.

Christine Doherty, Derry and Strabane Council’s Biodiversity Officer, explained: “Himalayan balsam is a non-native plant that was introduced to the British Isles and has spread along river banks. It competes for pollinators, such as bumblebees, with native riverbank species, which reduces the seed set in native plants.

“However, the plant dies back in autumn, leaving river banks bare of vegetation, which can lead to bank erosion and can increase situation on fish spawning grounds.”

Catherine McGavigan, Queen’s University Belfast, added: “This plant can be controlled by hand pulling these shallow rooted species in April, before they seed and spread any further this year.”

Please wear suitable footwear and clothing. Refreshments will be provided after the event. For further information contact Catherine McGavigan on 07972171958 or email [email protected]