Opportunity Details

Background to project and project objectives: Part of our Future Nature Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) removal project. Himalayan Balsam (HB) is present on numerous sites in the Trossachs and needs to be removed by hand. Some sites have small scattered HB populations and some have blanket coverage. The aim today is to visit a site adjoining the Aberfoyle water treatment plant, which has blanket coverage. If the HB growth is sufficiently immature, we will use Sheffield Slashers to cut the growth and kill the plants before they flower. Otherwise we will be pulling out by hand.

Activity Level: Moderate – walking on rough, possibly wet ground. Bending down to pull plants from the base, or using hand slashers to cut plants at the base.

Protective Equipment required: Wellies and waterproofs.

Volunteers to bring: Cover up arms and legs as it will be midgy!, Midge repellent, midge net if preferred, lunch and drink.

Specific knowledge or training required: Training for plant recognition given on the day

Project leader’s contact details prior to and on the day:

tim.messer@lochlomond-trossachs.org

01389 722107

07734 785537

Please let Tim know if you are meeting at the NP HQ at 9 am for transport, and if you are happy to drive.

Opportunity Name: Himalayan balsam removal - Trossachs area
Description: Background to project and project objectives: Part of our Future Nature Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) removal project. Himalayan Balsam (HB) is present on numerous sites in the Trossachs and needs to be removed by hand. Some sites have small scattered HB populations and some have blanket coverage. The aim today is to visit a site adjoining the Aberfoyle water treatment plant, which has blanket coverage. If the HB growth is sufficiently immature, we will use Sheffield Slashers to cut the growth and kill the plants before they flower. Otherwise we will be pulling out by hand. Activity Level: Moderate – walking on rough, possibly wet ground. Bending down to pull plants from the base, or using hand slashers to cut plants at the base. Protective Equipment required: Wellies and waterproofs. Volunteers to bring: Cover up arms and legs as it will be midgy!, Midge repellent, midge net if preferred, lunch and drink. Specific knowledge or training required: Training for plant recognition given on the day Project leader’s contact details prior to and on the day: tim.messer@lochlomond-trossachs.org 01389 722107 07734 785537 Please let Tim know if you are meeting at the NP HQ at 9 am for transport, and if you are happy to drive.
Date/Time:	Wed, Jun 26, 2024 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Spots Available:	4
Meeting Location:	Meet at 9 am at National Park Headquarters, Balloch to travel to Aberfoyle. Meeting Tim in the Car Park behind the Forth Inn at 9.30 am. National Park HQ, Carrochan Road, Balloch G83 8EG View Map / Get Directions
Organizer:	Tim Messer tim.messer@lochlomond-trossachs.org 01389 722 107 / 07734 785 537

Category:	Practical Conservation / Biodiversity (Prac Cons Task)

Opportunity Details | Himalayan balsam removal - Trossachs area