It's Himalayan balsam season again, so the Environment Trust's volunteers in Kingston took to the Tolworth Brook to remove this invasive plant. Thankfully, as a result of removal last year, the stretch of the brook from Alexandra Recreation Ground to Meldone Close was almost clear of the plant. However, disappointingly, well intentioned guerrilla gardening of two of the most invasive plants, bamboo and rhododendron, has the potential to undo the work to naturalise the brook. Not only is such action inappropriate ecologically, it could be construed as criminal damage.
See these links for further information http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/fcpg017.pdf/$FILE/fcpg017.pdf
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Volunteers wade ankle-deep searching for Himalayan balsam to remove.
Frustratingly, guerrilla gardening serves to reduce the ecological value of the river bank, by introducing inappropriate and invasive garden plants, bamboo and rhododendron.
Rhododendron in flower, will eventually disperse its seeds locally and along the water course.
Such inappropriate planting will threaten native species such as lesser celandine.
As well as, caterpillars of the red admiral butterfly, which rely on common nettles for its food plant.
Himalayan balsam can often be confused with the native water figwort, pictured.
Volunteers enjoying a day in the sun.
Aquilegia on the river banks is more evidence of urban garden escapes.
Damsel flies also making the most of the sunshine.
Although the water quality is relatively poor, in stream macrophytes are present.
Later, the Environment Trust joined the Zoological Society of London to monitor the water quality of the Hogsmill River at Elmbridge Meadows in Berrylands.
Compared with the River Brent, the Hogsmill is paradise.
Even bullhead fish can be found here, as evidence by eggs found under a rock, which was quickly replaced.
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