As part of National Volunteering Week the Kildare IWT branch is organising Himalayan balsam removal in Celbridge Town on Sunday 20th May, 11am – 4pm.
Himalayan balsam is an invasive species of Irish waterways in Ireland. It can grow to 2m tall and prevents native plants from growing underneath it. In October it dies back and leaves the ground bear which can cause erosion. Its flower produces more nectar than our native species which makes it more attractive to insects resulting in less pollination of our native plants. For more information visit www.invasivespeciesireland.com.
We will be removing Himalayan balsam from the banks of the river Liffey, starting behind the Mill community centre in Celbridge and working our way towards Straffan. Participants will need strong boots or wellies (wellies are preferable), long robust trousers (to ward off the unwelcome attention of nettles or brambles), long sleeved upper garments and long durable gloves (for the same reason).
If you are interested in volunteering send us an e-mail at kildarebranch@iwt.ie. We need as many volunteers as we can for this event to be successful and your support will be much appreciated!
For more information contact: Roseanne at kildarebranch@iwt.ie or follow our
blog: www.iwtkildarebranch.wordpress.com