This afternoon I went along and joined Southampton Park Cities and Southampton City Council with some conservation work doing a spot of 'balsam bashing' along the banks of the river itchen.

Himalayan Balsam is an incredibly invasive plant species which is harmful to our native flora and fauna. Each plant can spread up to 800 seeds and when it dies off in winter can lead to erosion.

There was a small army of volunteers who had turned out to help and we were tasked with removing as much as possible in the time allotted.

I was shocked at how much balsam there was. Multiple large piles quickly sprung up and large areas where Balsam had taken over quickly removed.

It was a satisfying task with a tangible difference having been made. I particularly enjoyed the alien like roots and the crunchy celery like nature of the balsam! An enjoyable afternoon