Once the location of this invasive species has been established the Park Authority hope to then embark upon the removal phase, with a view to erradicating this species along the Grasmere-Windermere watercourse. Removal will involve the hand pulling of the balsam and will rely on support from local groups and other volunteers we will hand pull the balsam. Balsam has already been cleared in two compartments on National Trust land at White Moss and cover on the southern side of the River Rothay has been suppressed.

What is Himalayan Balsam?
An invasive alien which escaped from Kew Gardens over 160 years ago and has now swamped large areas of the Lake District. Himalayan balsam has purplish-pink slipper shaped flowers from June to August. It has colonised riverbanks and areas of damp ground, annihilating native grasses and other flora. It grows in dense stands which suppress the growth of grasses and other plants. Any control must be carried out before the seed pods have formed, to give long-term benefit. Each plant can produce 800 seeds which explode from pods and can travel up to seven metres, or be carried considerable distances by rivers.