Himalayan Balsam Update
In order to eliminate Himalayan Balsam (HB), we have now treated with herbicide over 5,000 square metres of the eastern bank of the River Mole, from the river bridge on the A23 opposite the Texaco Service Station, to the northern most point of the Court Lodge recreation area, administered by Horley Town council.
This weekend (29th and 30th of June), supplementary spot spraying will take place to treat a few patches that have been missed. However, there are some individual HB plants which have escaped the spraying process. These will have to be pulled out manually. For this purpose, community volunteers are asked to meet at the Six Bells car park, at the end of Church Road, Horley, on Saturday morning (6th July at 10:00 am). A briefing will take place at the meeting point.
Would all who are willing to assist please call Horley Town Council (01293 784765) or email Alan Jones (town.clerk@zen.co.uk)? Please check the Town Council’s website in the run up to the 6th July, just in case it has been necessary to make changes due to bad weather, etc.. Also, we suggest that volunteers should dress for the weather (trousers and wellies), due to the proliferation of nettles in some areas. Protective gloves will be supplied.
David Powell’s mobile number is 07885 172277, to be used in the event that you arrive late on the Saturday, so that we can locate and brief you.
Himalayan Balsam is a prolific invasive annual weed which grows 8 feet high. It is rapidly taking over many areas of rivers and wetlands across the nation.
Regards
David Powell (Borough and Town Councillor)
