Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve
Fighting alien species - removal of Himalayan balsam, an invasive plant, from a local nature reserve.
Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve, owned by Sheffield City Council and managed with the assistance of the Shire Brook Valley Conservation Group volunteers, has a huge problem with Himalayan balsam. This is an invasive plant which is non-toxic but outcompetes native flora for light and nutrients, thereby reducing biodiversity and it's roots contribute to erosion of riverbanks. The best way to control it is by hand pulling it before it can set seed. It is easy to recognise and pulls up easily without requiring tools. The Shire Brook, like most other watercourses around the country, has a huge problem with the spread of the plant. Any assistance on the following Wednesdays would be most welcome. June 15th, 22nd, 29th. July 6th, 13th. 10 a.m. starts from the Visitor Centre, stay as long as you wish. Long trousers,sleeves and gardening gloves advisable as protection against nettles etc.2 GoodGymers have supported Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve with 1 task.
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The Scouring of the Shire
Wednesday 15th June 2022
Written by Rachel (she/her)
A little LOTR nod for any fans there. Today, we were scouring the Shire Brook for the ever-insidious Himalayan Balsam, an invasive species that overtakes and inhibits the natural flora and fauna of the area.
The Balsam itself is satisfyingly easy to pull and even more satisfying to crunch and snap! We did however have to contend with brambles and nettles to reach it. Super kudos to Celine who ran all the way from home and then battled the overgrowth in shorts and t-shirt!
We managed to clear some big patches, but we only covered one small stretch of the river. There will be further volunteer days for the next 4 Wednesdays (until July 13th) 10am-2pm to try and get on top of it before they go to seed. I won't list them all as community missions, but Goodgymmers would be more than welcome to join again!
