A COMMUNITY scheme to clear an invasive species from a North-East woodland has been carried out.
People gathered at the Dora’s Wood in Lanchester to reduce the amount of Himalayan balsam.
The wood is part of the Woodland Trust and the ‘balsam bashing’ session was organised to help it thrive again.
Himalayan Balsam is a non-native plant that chokes and dominates the UK’s native woodland species.
John Butler, assistant site manager for the Woodland Trust, said: “It’s been brilliant seeing members of the community to come together sharing their mutual hatred for Himalayan balsam at Dora’s Wood.
“With their help, we’ve removed no end of this invasive plant, which has been choking and damaging our delicate native species.
“I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone involved and also encourage others to visit the wood this summer.”
Himalayan balsam was introduced to the UK in 1839, and is now a naturalised plant, found especially on riverbanks and in waste places.
It grows up to ten feet high and it produces clusters of purplish pink helmet-shaped flowers.
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