Take-over by the nettles – Balsam has been banished!
Uppermill Community Action Network (supported by the River and Canal Trust)’s efforts to paint the locks have generally been frustrated by the rainy summer weather on project days and balsam-bashing has been our main activity throughout the season. As reported earlier they have made great progress with balsam-bashing after four years of effort but they have become the victims of their own success in the Viaduct Woodland as clearing the Himalayan Balsam has allowed the nettles to completely take over. The site is now swamped by nettles although UCAN are pleased that most of trees which were planted last winter are flourishing beneath the nettles. The nettles are certainly an improvement on the balsam for our environment and as a habitat for wild life but they will need to control them in future years. If anyone has any advice they would greatly appreciate it. Please get in touch.
They are pleased to report that UCAN has been awarded a Green Dividend Grant from Oldham Council towards the creation of a pond in the Viaduct Woodland to increase the biodiversity of the site. They plan to complete the pond over the winter months and when it has been filled with water native plants will be introduced at the appropriate time of year.
The pond will be their main project in the winter but they will continue with our regular tasks such as vegetation and leaf clearance, litter-picking and, they hope, some painting. They are always pleased to welcome new members and for anyone interested in getting involved our upcoming programme is as follows:-
September – Thursday 19th
October – Saturday 5th Saturday 19th Thursday 31st
All equipment is provided by CRT and you are recommended to wear stout footwear and suitable clothing for the weather conditions on the day. The usual meeting point is 10am at the canal bridge on Moorgate Street; please contact Peter Killan on 07717 508163 or email peterkillan@hotmail.com
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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