IWA Peterborough Branch Hereward Newsletter Summer 2019

HEREWARD SUMMER 2019 2019 Easter Cruise Middle Level Reports Himalayan Balsam & Plastic Branch News

PETERBOROUGH BRANCH

www.waterways.org.uk/peterborough

The IWA charity registered number 212342

The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Inland Waterways Association or of the Peterborough Branch. They are, however, published as being of interest to our members and readers

“Pull Snap Stomp” First boats ever pass under the new Boots Bridge on the Sixteen Foot following its completion just instamp out Himalayan Balsam Take FIVE minutes to help time you for the cruise Have seen the vast swathes of Himalayan Balsam growing along the bank as you

enjoy the water during the summer months? As attractive as it looks, this non-native invasive plant, with its reddish stem and pink-purple flowers is causing the widespread erosion of river and canal banks, leading to problems on the towpath, flooding and the suffocation of fish eggs.

Himalayan Balsam grows so quickly that it crowds out our native wildflowers and because it has no root stock, once it goes to seed and dies back, there is nothing left to hold the soil together during the winter months. We need to stop the spread of these plants and in order to do that, we need to pull them out before they go to seed… and we need your help.

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is asking you to get behind their Pull Snap Stomp campaign this year.

Launching in early summer, the Pull Snap Stomp campaign encourages supporters to help stop the spread of Himalayan Balsam by pulling it out of the ground whenever they see it by the canal or river bank, to snap off the root, and to stomp down on it to stop it growing again.

Families with young children or grandchildren are encouraged to take part in the campaign as the stalks are very easy to pull up and have a very pleasing ‘pop’ as they are removed from the ground.

To support the campaign, people can register to receive an activity pack which gives more information about Himalayan Balsam and how to spot the plant along the towpath. Local IWA Branches are also organising their own local “Balsam Bash” Work Parties, encouraging people to take part.

The charity has produced several resource guides to help people find Himalayan Balsam including leaflets, posters and an online video. Volunteers will also receive a pair of branded gloves to protect their hands while they pull, snap and stomp their way along the towpaths.

Alison Smedley, Policy & Campaigns Officer, IWA, comments; “We are hoping that large numbers will get behind our Pull Snap Stomp campaign this year. Over the years, our Balsam Bashes have made real inroads into reducing the spread of Himalayan Balsam and we hope this will continue. If everyone takes just five minutes out of their walk to stop and pull up some of the plants, we should be able to make a real difference.”

The IWA campaign first ran in 2013, and since then it has gone from strength to strength.

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire branch has been particularly successful in removing Himalayan Balsam from its towpaths and it is now hoped that other branches and areas will have a similar level of success.

IWA has a dedicated webpage www.waterways.org.uk/himalayanbalsam and will be supporting the campaign via IWA social media feeds. If you are out for a walk this summer, look out for Himalayan Balsam. Take FIVE and stop the spread of this destructive non-native invasive plant.

PULL – Individual balsam

These two views show the tidal water back flowing into Well Creek as described in the stems pull up very easily and have a pleasing text

‘pop’

SNAP – Break off the root below the lowest growing node STOMP – Pile all the stems away fromcontinues the watertoand the path. to assist Cover Photo: Theup waterscape in Peterborough change as theStomp Fletton them Quaysdown development on the south bank of the Nene take shape.

During May the scaffolding has been removed from one of the the rotting process. residential blocks to reveal the form of the new buildings. This was the view in mid-May from the north embankment.

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2019 Easter Cruise

by Mike Daines Photos by Chris Howes & Mike Daines

E

ight boats set off in glorious early spring weather last Good Friday at the start of the joint 2019 IWA Peterborough Branch and Middle Level Watermen’s Club Easter cruise. The four day trip planned by Alistair Chambers routed boats on a circular passage from March to Salters Load, back through New Pophams Eau and the Sixteen Foot to the Golden Lion then onto the George on the Forty Foot and finishing on Monday via Benwick back to March.

There had been some concern that the Sixteen Foot would not be opened in time for navigation owing to overdue engineering works continuing on Boots bridge but thankfully news came in on the Thursday that the work had been completed. News had also been received that the Mullicourt aqueduct pump feeding Well Creek had broken down and a temporary pump was being installed at Marmont Priory lock to manage the water levels. It was later sadly revealed that an otter had caused the breakdown having been ingested into the pump and subsequently perished.

Upon reaching Marmont Priory a team effort successfully negotiated five boats through the lock after which a halt was called for lunch at the recently refurbished and popular Five Bells Inn for necessary refreshments before completing the final leg to Salters Load.

Saturday saw the dawning of another beautifully warm day and a very high tide in the tidal Ouse at Salters Load. However, the temporary pump at Marmont Priory had itself failed resulting in continued low water levels in Well Creek.

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To help remedy the situation, lock keeper Paul Grodciewicz was then given permission to back flow tidal water through the lock turning the normally still waters into a temporary Olympic standard white water course!

Another pleasant day’s cruising ensued with a leisurely trip terminating at the Golden Lion for further refreshments and dinner. Sunday welcomed in another dazzling morning and after breakfast everyone set off in the direction of Ramsey but the draw of a convivial lunchtime stop at the George conspired to abandon the idea of further travel onto Ramsey for overnight mooring.

Monday was unhurried and relaxed as the cruise terminated back towards March via Benwick and lunch at the Five Alls. Everyone agreed that we had all been blessed with fantastic weather that compared with the soaking received at Easter 2018 made it all a trip to remember!

Boats taking part in the cruise line moored abreast at the Golden Lion on the Sixteen Foot

Passenger Boat Service on the Nene Fails As we went to press news was received that an initiative to operate a passenger trip boat service between Railworld and Ferry Meadows had been abandoned for the remainder of the summer. Perhaps the cool June weather has contributed to the lack of support for the venture but the operator is hoping to re-think the format and try to operate the service again next year.

A few years ago an attempt was made by a private venture to operate short cruises around Wansford with an attractive river launch but this was eventually abandoned. On that occasion the operator cited an unhelpful attitude from certain authorities which seems a pity.

Email: gregbassam@gbwatersports.co.uk 14 2

MIDDLE LEVEL COMMISSIONERS - WORKS PROGRESS REPORT September 2018 to April 2019 This report has been kindly provided by Jonathan Fenn, MLC Operations Engineer for which the Branch is extremely grateful.

Flailmowing Middle Level System Following a difficult summer season in terms of weather and operations, the Commissioners’ fleet of flailmowers worked until bank conditions deteriorated to a point in the second half of December when it was deemed prudent to curtail flailmowing operations at approximately 90% complete. The exceptionally mild, dry conditions experienced so far this year have led to the grass sward on many of the Commissioners’ banks growing earlier than would be anticipated in a ‘normal’ season. This requires the Commissioners’ flailmowing fleet to commence work slightly ahead of the normal start date, to ensure the First Round Conservation cut will be complete by the end of the first week in April.

Maintenance Dredging Phase V, Well Creek Dredging (Marmont Priory Corner to Thurlands Drove Junction Upwell, Hall Bridge to Hall Bridge Road Junction - Upwell, Isle Bridge to The Boat Basin - Outwell) Dredging works have been undertaken during the reporting period at the aforementioned locations. The fifth phase links the previous four phases of dredging works, where access for the contracted dredging machine to stand and work from the adjacent highway was either difficult or restricted by the Highway Authority. At the time of reporting the final reach at Outwell Boat Basin remains to be dredged. It is anticipated this work will commence in early April when an extra-long reach contracted machine will become available to undertake the work.

Great Raveley Drain (Speed the Plough Junction to MLC Control Sluice) A contractor’s 18 metre long reach machine was deployed in January for maintenance dredging work along the Great Raveley Drain. Given the width of the channel, it was necessary for the machine to operate from both adjacent banks where access was afforded. The resultant dredgings have been placed along the crest of the raised embankments, where it will be left to dry during the spring and summer months and utilised for bank raising and levelling material later in the year.

Forty Foot River (Horseway Arm – Horseway Lock to Horseway Bridge) Machine cleansing to remove growths of submerged vegetation are programmed to be undertaken following the conclusion of the course angling season on 16th March. It was deemed prudent to leave the channel cleansing works until this time, as historically the reach is prone to low dissolved oxygen levels during the warmer summer and autumn months. The site attracts shoals of fish during the autumn and winter months, which in turn attracts competitive match anglers during the season, the angling rights being let by the Commissioners to a Chatteris based club, hence the works are programmed to be undertaken at the conclusion of the season.

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WARNING

Bush Cutting

Great Raveley Drain, Old River Nene – March Town Centre, Well Creek, Old River Nene – Ramsey Mereside, Kings Dyke – The Bower Footpath The Commissioners have undertaken bush and tree cutting works at the aforementioned locations as part of their programmed winter works. The mild weather during February curtailed works in early March for obvious conservation reasons. Outstanding work will be carried forward to next season’s programme.

CONTAMINATED DIESEL

Clay Puddling/Bank Seepage

CAN COST YOU UNFORSEEN EXPENCE

Yaxley Lode (North East Bank – U/S Yaxley Railway Bridge) It is unfortunate to report that following the successful sealing of bank seepage in December 2017, a recent site inspection has revealed seepage is again evident. At the time of reporting, approximately 120 tonnes of puddling clay has been imported to site from the Commissioners’ emergency clay store at Holme. A contractor’s long reach machine will be deployed to undertake clay puddling in the bank as soon as one becomes available.

Bank Revetment Kings Dyke – (Ashline Lock to The Bower Corner, Briggate East) Bank revetment works were required to secure the north east side bank, directly beneath Briggate Footbridge. Wash from navigational traffic turning the sharp bend has, over a number of years, led to the lower bank eroding, exposing the abutments of the footbridge. Stone filled gabions have been installed to stabilise the bank.

The Commissioners have recently worked in collaboration with Whittlesey Town Council, Fenland District Council, Cambridgeshire County Highways department and the Community Pay Back Team, to provide bankside revetment along approximately 60 metres of south west bank of Kings Dyke along the Briggate footpath. For their part, the Commissioners supplied and installed approximately 60 metres of replacement toe board, and supplied 50 metres of toe boarding timber for the Community Payback team to install along the bank crest to support the adjacent footpath.

Navigation EA Denver Complex (Dredging Tidal Side Mooring- River Great Ouse, Dredging Tidal Entrance EA Old Bedford River, Dredging Tidal Entrance EA Salters Lode Lock The Commissioners were recently requested to undertake silt dredging works under a PSCA (Public Sector Co-operation Agreement) on behalf of the EA. At the time of reporting the dredging works have commenced at the EA Denver complex site. When this work is completed, the 22 metre extra-long reach machine will be transported by road to the EA controlled Old Bedford river to undertake silt clearance from the tidal confluence of the Great Ouse to Whitehall Farm Bridge, and the tidal entrance of Salter’s Lode Lock.

As in previous years the works are undertaken on a fully rechargeable basis.

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STUART HOLMES BOAT SAFETY EXAMINATIONS PETERBOROUGH BOATING CENTRE

Chandlery

Diesel - Calor

73 NORTH STREET STANGROUND, PETERBOROUGH Tel: 01733 566688

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Fly-tipping/Rubbish Clearance/Abandoned Vehicles Ramsey High Lode, Old River Nene (March Town Centre),Well Creek, Great Ravely Drain, Bevills Leam, Kings Dyke Fly tipped materials have been removed from several watercourses BARNWELL during the reporting period. ROAD, Beds, OUNDLE, PETERBOROUGH PE8 5PA 01832 272762 e-mail: info@oundlemarina.com bed mattresses andTel: supermarket trollies were removed from Ramsey High Lode, supermarket trolCHANDLERY MOORINGS lies and road signs were removed 200 non-residential moorings for Well stocked Chandlery plus from the Marylebone Bridge area Cruisers and Narrowboats up to Diesel, Petrol, Calor Gas, in March town centre and general 62 feet long Homefire Coal, Logs, Kindling debris, including a full set of golf clubs, was recovered and handed into the local constabulary from SERVICES & FACILITIES Glassmoor Bank, Whittlesey. Also Craneage, worthy of note was a .22 rifle with Slipway, Boat and Canopy Repairs, Engine Servicing, Toilets, Showers, Laundrette silencer removed from the watercourse, along with a car during dateRaveley with the latest Boats for Sale, River Conditions and Marina dredgingKeep worksupatto Great News by visiting www.oundlemarina.com Drain, and a stolen 4x4 vehicle that was causing an obstruction to navigation along the Well Creek at Town Street Upwell. The THE CHANDLERY IS OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK—9.00AM TO 5.00PM incidents of fly tipping and the associated attributed to removing and clearing the ComCLOSEDcosts WEDNESDAYS missioners’ waterways continues to rise significantly

OUNDLE MARINA VILLAGE

MIDDLE LEVEL COMMISSIONERS CONSERVATION OFFICERS REPORT Peter Beckenham, MLC Conservation Officer has kindly provided this report and the Branch offers thanks for this support.

Introducon Following summer 2018, which was the UK’s warmest since 2006, the driest since 2003 and the sunniest since 1995 (Met Office), the period in this report was generally dry and mild, leading up to the warmest ‘winter’ day since records began. February began with heavy, lingering frosts but in the final week temperatures of over 20 degrees were recorded in London and Wales. This remarkable spell of weather was likewise experienced across the Middle Level. It inevitably triggered a response in wildlife and subsequently blackthorn was noted blossoming in Swavesey IDB on January 15th and the first butterfly of the year (a Peacock) was noted on the wing at Nordelph on February 13th.

Elver and eel passage at St Germans Contact: Training Secretary, PYC The period following previous report was a quiet one for eel passage and included a secPhone: 01733 the 311680 ond fault in the year of the water pump tripping out for a period. This was rectified and an indepth Net: look http:// at the system took place in December. Few invasive mussels were found in the pipes accessed.

Monitoring will continue in 2019 with particular effort made to check the www.peterboroughyachtclub.com pump after inclement weather events. A number of light repairs have been made to the trough and eel house. The pump was switched back on w/c 4th March this year following reports of glass eels moving earlier than usual in the South West, however to date no eels have been noted here.

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INLAND WATERWAYS ASSOCIATION Peterborough Branch

COMMITTEE MEMBERS CHAIRMAN: Chris Howes e-mail: emailchrishowes@gmail.com SECRETARY: POSITION TEMPORARILY VACANT

TREASURER: Roger Mungham Tel: 01945 773002 e-mail: rogerboatmans@talktalk.net EDITOR: Philip Halstead, 20 Cane Avenue, Peterborough PE2 9QT Tel: 01733 348500 e-mail: philipntricia@hotmail.co.uk ENTERTAINMENTS OFFICER: Richard Fairman Tel: 01406 380575 Roger Sexton

Andrew Storrar

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Mike Daines

Mill Drove, Ramsey Cambs. PE26 2RD Tel: 01487 813621

billfenmarina@tiscali.co.uk www.b illfenmarina.com

Moorings occasionally available, £15 per foot per year + VAT, if paid annually.

Slipway for bottom blacking from £120.00 Chandlery, Fuel, Gas, Toilets, Shower We stock Rylard & Craftmaster Paints, Anodes, Coflex, Rust Konverta, Incralac etc.

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Kingfishers Few noted over the last period but birds have been observed at several traditional nesting sites in the last month suggesting the breeding season is back underway. All sightings by waterways users welcome.

Bats An excellent result from bat box checks at the Ouse Washes in late-October was the discovery of four pipistrelles roosting together in one box. This visit was conducted with two licensed bat workers who are willing to volunteer some more time in 2019.

Oers No sightings but active field signs in numerous locations. Several reports of dead otters on roads around the region.

Barn Owls The team managed to ring 56 young barn owls in 2018 and reported several new boxes to be in use – highlighting the ongoing importance of nest box provisioning for the conservation of these birds across the Middle Level. There were a small number of breeding successes from kestrels reported in MLC boxes and a healthy population of breeding stock doves. At one site we were surprised to find both Barn Owl and Stock Dove in a box at the same time! Over winter 2018 repairs have been made at several sites and 3 new locations fitted with boxes (Whittlesey and West Fen).

Holme Fen Post Installing a Barn Owl box at West Fen

Biodiversity Acon Plan Implementaon From previous report: ‘The working group that met in 2017 to review and assist in the updating IDB BAPs has submitted its recommendations to ADA. A national guidance document from ADA is awaited’. A note is included in all forthcoming IDB BAP reports highlighting the possibility for review this year and new opportunities. Any thoughts are welcomed on this process by the Conservation Officer.

Invasive Non-Nave Species/Environmental Issues The Conservation Officer has attended 2 meetings to discuss a strategic approach to mink trapping both within eastern England and nationally. Very few reports of mink received from the Middle Level in the last six months which suggests a new focus/approach is worthwhile (rather than fewer mink) All sightings of mink by waterways users are valuable and gratefully received.

A ‘toolbox talk’ was given to the works department to discuss the feasibility of operators recording any sightings of note (including invasive species) and reporting to the Conservation Officer. May 13th – 17th was National Invasive Species week and a new ID sheet is being prepared to continue raising awareness about Floating Pennywort. Operators will be encouraged to use the new works WhatsApp service for reporting. The Floating Pennywort advice sheet will be distributed widely across the region including boat clubs and locks.

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OUNDLE MARINA VILLAGE BARNWELL ROAD, OUNDLE, PETERBOROUGH PE8 5PA Tel: 01832 272762

e-mail: info@oundlemarina.com

CHANDLERY

MOORINGS

200 non-residential moorings for Cruisers and Narrowboats up to 62 feet long

Well stocked Chandlery plus Diesel, Petrol, Calor Gas, Homefire Coal, Logs, Kindling

SERVICES & FACILITIES

Craneage, Slipway, Boat and Canopy Repairs, Engine Servicing, Toilets, Showers, Laundrette Keep up to date with the latest Boats for Sale, River Conditions and Marina News by visiting www.oundlemarina.com THE CHANDLERY IS OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK—9.00AM TO 5.00PM CLOSED WEDNESDAYS

Contact: Training Secretary, PYC Phone: 01733 311680 Net: http:// www.peterboroughyachtclub.com

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Meengs, Training, Talks and Publicity The annual Middle Level IDB BAP Partnership meeting took place in December and was attended by around 40 IDB representatives or interested parties. Feedback was positive and the quality of speakers noted. The talks comprised a thematic look at conservation issues in the Middle Level. Topics covered included swift conservation, ‘Paludiculture’ (wetland farming), the opportunities it offers for peatland conservation and the economic hurdles to overcome.

The final talk by Susan Oosthuizen from Cambridge University provided a vivid and educational wade through the grazing landscape that characterised much of the (surprisingly wellpopulated) region in this period. A further IDB BAP meeting was scheduled for Wednesday 4th December 2019 at the same venue.

A live interview was given in February for the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire programme ‘Great Outdoors’ to discuss a Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) report on access to National Parks and perceived restrictions in Cambridgeshire. The Conservation Officer highlighted that, while some distance from National parks, the fens offer some unique wildlife and an interesting landscape on our doorstep.

Meetings were attended with Cambridgeshire ACRE, Old Bedford Catchment Partnership and the ADA Lincs Environment Committee as well as a national Water Vole conference in Northumberland. The Conservation Officer led a walk for IDB members at the Great Fen for World Wetlands in February, taking in Trundle Mere and the former site of Whittlesey Mere.

Although a very cold day, it was an enjoyable and social occasion.

An introductory meeting for new volunteers interested in supporting our conservation goals by helping with surveys and learning about fenland wildlife and was held at the Middle Level offices in late-March. 9 people attended and a timetable will now be sent to those interested.

A White Stork spotted near Whittlesey in August 2018 - currently a rare visitor to the area but once a common sight in the Fens

A visit by the conservation team to the South Cambs Turtle Dove trial site near Cambridge

Richard Parry, Chief Executive of the Canal & River Trust Answer to the question:

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WARNING

CONTAMINATED DIESEL CAN COST YOU UNFORSEEN EXPENCE

12

BRANCH NEWS

by Chris Howes

IWA Branch Secretary turns published author Last year our branch secretary Roger Green was invited by Imray to write their new Guide for the River Nene. He has recently submitted the final words and we are now looking forward to the publication of the Guide. Roger recently stood down as Branch Secretary but I’m pleased to say that he’s not leaving the Branch completely and he is enjoying working as a volunteer lock keeper on the Great Ouse. Peterborough branch owes Roger a considerable debt of gratitude for his work as Branch Secretary over many years! Thanks Roger!

If you would like to help the branch out as our new branch secretary then please do let me know. I would be very happy to have you on the team.

Hereward’s helmsman is on the move Phil Halstead has been producing our brilliant branch magazine, ‘Hereward’ for a number of years. In the tradition of the incomparable Tom Rolt, Phil’s interests have gradually drifted from canals to railways (pun intended) and Phil devotes much of his available volunteer time to the Nene Valley Railway. Phil has advised us that he intends to stand down as editor of Hereward at the end of the year. Similarly we owe Phil a vote of thanks, and are looking for someone to help pull together the content for our magazine. A role that would perfectly suit a volunteer who would prefer to help out from the comfort of their own home.

Your invitation to our social events I sometimes pop over to IWA’s Great Ouse Branch when they have a visiting speaker or a quiz, and I’ve enjoyed some really great evenings there. We’ve had increasing attendance at our last couple of AGMs, and STUART I wonder if there isHOLMES any appetite for a programme of social events during 2020? If an invitation to a Peterborough branch quiz or talk came your way, BOATPlease SAFETY EXAMINATIONS would you be interested? do let me know either way.

In the well-known words of John F Kennedy..

We urgently need a new branch secretary. OK he didn’t say that. But if you do have some BOATING time to spare andPETERBOROUGH would like a role that either allows you to pursueCENTRE your love of writing (our Chandlery Dieselrole) - Calor Hereward editor role) or be in charge of the agenda (our branch secretary then do get in touch. Nobody likes a meeting less than me so don’t worry about joining a committee or spending hours in airless rooms. Both these roles are truly useful to the branch. As some background the branch committee meets once a month, except during the summer. Whether you’ve recently acquired a boat of your own, or taken early retirement, or any other of a host of reasons which might allow you NORTH to give a few hours each month, we’d dearly love to hear 73 STREET from you. A little help can go a long way. Especially as the branch has so much going on I really want us to make as much difference as possible to the local waterways. Your time can STANGROUND, PETERBOROUGH make all the difference.

Please email me on ‘emailchrishowes@gmail.com’ or call me on 07857 642743 if you can Tel: 01733 566688 give a bit of time. John F Kennedy didn’t say this either “think not what Peterborough Branch can do for you, but what you can do for the Branch” but I like to think that if he lived around here, he would definitely have said something similar. Get in touch.

Chris 5 13

Email: gregbassam@gbwatersports.co.uk 14

Canal & River Trust MISSION AGAINST PLASTIC

Each year 14 million items of plastic end up in canals and rivers in England and Wales, according to a new report. The Canal and River Trust said more than half a million of these items reach the world's oceans annually. The charity said it was "on a mission to eradicate plastic" from its waterways and urged people to pick up any rubbish they find. It said if every visitor picked up one piece of plastic, the canals and rivers could be plastic-free in a year.

The trust worked with Coventry University to carry out the research for the report. It took a "snapshot" of the amount of plastics and litter observed at representative locations along 2,000 miles of waterways and found plastics such as bags, bottles, disposable cups and food wrappers accounted for 59% of the waste.

Locations included Leicester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Burnley, Devizes, Tottenham Hale, Torfaen, Milton Keynes, Manchester, Ellesmere Port, Brentford, Worcester, Stratford-uponAvon, Liverpool, Hemel Hempstead, Oxford and Erewash.

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“Pull Snap Stomp” Take FIVE minutes to help stamp out Himalayan Balsam

Have you seen the vast swathes of Himalayan Balsam growing along the bank as you enjoy the water during the summer months? As attractive as it looks, this non-native invasive plant, with its reddish stem and pink-purple flowers is causing the widespread erosion of river and canal banks, leading to problems on the towpath, flooding and the suffocation of fish eggs.

Himalayan Balsam grows so quickly that it crowds out our native wildflowers and because it has no root stock, once it goes to seed and dies back, there is nothing left to hold the soil together during the winter months. We need to stop the spread of these plants and in order to do that, we need to pull them out before they go to seed… and we need your help.

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is asking you to get behind their Pull Snap Stomp campaign this year.

Launching in early summer, the Pull Snap Stomp campaign encourages supporters to help stop the spread of Himalayan Balsam by pulling it out of the ground whenever they see it by the canal or river bank, to snap off the root, and to stomp down on it to stop it growing again.

Families with young children or grandchildren are encouraged to take part in the campaign as the stalks are very easy to pull up and have a very pleasing ‘pop’ as they are removed from the ground.

To support the campaign, people can register to receive an activity pack which gives more information about Himalayan Balsam and how to spot the plant along the towpath. Local IWA Branches are also organising their own local “Balsam Bash” Work Parties, encouraging people to take part.

The charity has produced several resource guides to help people find Himalayan Balsam including leaflets, posters and an online video. Volunteers will also receive a pair of branded gloves to protect their hands while they pull, snap and stomp their way along the towpaths.

Alison Smedley, Policy & Campaigns Officer, IWA, comments; “We are hoping that large numbers will get behind our Pull Snap Stomp campaign this year. Over the years, our Balsam Bashes have made real inroads into reducing the spread of Himalayan Balsam and we hope this will continue. If everyone takes just five minutes out of their walk to stop and pull up some of the plants, we should be able to make a real difference.”

The IWA campaign first ran in 2013, and since then it has gone from strength to strength.

IWA North Staffordshire & South Cheshire branch has been particularly successful in removing Himalayan Balsam from its towpaths and it is now hoped that other branches and areas will have a similar level of success.

IWA has a dedicated webpage www.waterways.org.uk/himalayanbalsam and will be supporting the campaign via IWA social media feeds. If you are out for a walk this summer, look out for Himalayan Balsam. Take FIVE and stop the spread of this destructive non-native invasive plant.

PULL – Individual balsam stems pull up very easily and have a pleasing ‘pop’ SNAP – Break off the root below the lowest growing node STOMP – Pile up all the stems away from the water and the path. Stomp them down to assist the rotting process.

16

As a guide to identification these photos show Himalayan Balsam growing in profusion at Cheddleton on the Caldon Canal. Note the recommended method of removal by grabbing the stalk and remember to wear gloves!

Recognise this Picture or the Man?

John Revell's iconic photo of the Parkers on the Old Bedford River, stuck in a sea of weed, formed a prominent poster at this year's IWA Canalway Cavalcade festival in Little Venice over the early May bank holiday. But can anyone identify the man pictured in front of it? The answer is secreted away somewhere in this issue!