Date/Time
Date(s) - 26/07/2025
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Categories No Categories
Come and help take care of this Local Wildlife Site. Please note that Sandgate Park refers to the area owned and managed by Horsham District Council, not the area of park that overlooks the quarry and is owned by CEMEX.
The task this week is Himalayan Balsam ‘bashing’. This is the uprooting of invasive Himalayan Balsam plants before they are able to set seed.
One plant can produce around 800 seeds so once a single plant is established in an area Himalayan Balsam can quickly dominate the surrounding area and areas downstream. Once the seeds are set the seed pods explode when touched or blown by the wind, scattering seeds for several metres. If the seeds land in water they float and can be carried by the stream or river until they are deposited on the banks of the waterway where they germinate.
While the plant produces a pretty flower it does have a negative environmental impact. It produces dense stands which shade out native species of plants. The decrease in diversity of native plant species has an impact on the insects that rely on them. Also bees and other pollinators prefer the nectar of Himalayan Balsam, which is abundant and, as the plant flowers late into the summer and autumn, is available when other plants have ceased flowering. One impact of this is that this reduces the pollination of native plants, reducing seed production by native plants and so further enabling dominance by the Himalayan Balsam. When the Himalayan Balsam dies back in the winter it leaves riverbanks exposed without vegetation and prone to erosion.
The area to be cleared at Sandgate Park is a boggy area adjacent to Sandgate Lane between the junction with Water Lane and the gate into Sandgate Park on Sandgate Lane. It is roughly opposite the house called ‘Brookside’ which is the second house up Sandgate Lane from the Water Lane junction.
As mentioned the area is likely to be boggy so waterproof boots are advised. There are also likely to be nettles and brambles so it is recommended that arms and legs are covered. Wearing stout gloves is also recommended. Bring your own gloves if you can but gloves will be available should you need them. As the area is fairly wooded and overgrown you may wish to consider bringing eye protection glasses if you have any.
The work involves uprooting the plants by hand and then snapping the stem to prevent the plant re-rooting. The uprooted plants are then left in piles where they will decompose.
We take a short break at around 11am – please bring your own refreshments.
All are welcome though under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult unless by prior arrangement.