HELP WANTED
Some of our members have been trying to eradicate the three invaders from the Ovingham reach. There is still much work to be done. We would appreciate your help

MANAGING INVASIVE PLANTS
Tyne Rivers Trust also has a ‘Managing Invasive Plants’ project which includes; surveying the Tyne Catchment, keeping abreast of new threats, tackling Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed. This year (2011) they are training some more volunteers in the stem injection method of applying herbicide safely beside water courses and we are also running ‘balsam bashes’ at upstream locations to protect the work at Ovingham by removing the source of seeds. For more information please visit the TRT website http://www.tyneriverstrust.org/home/about-the-river/threats/invasive-species and to book on the ‘Upstream Balsam Bashes’ please contact Ceri Gibson on 01434 611817 or c.gibson@tyneriverstrust.org Dates to be arranged nearer to the season so please check our events page.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?
For Himalayan Balsam in the Ovingham area, join Marion Lewis for a session of ‘balsam bashing’. The plants are shallow rooted and easy to pull up. Use your family’s excess energy in early summer.

For Himalayan Balsam elsewhere on the Tyne or notification of stands of Japanese Knotweed or Giant Hogweed contact Tyne Rivers Trust at c.gibson@tyneriverstrust.org.uk (Tel 01434 611817)

For more information on Riverside Alien Invaders: Read Chapter 5, The Living Tyne - River Ecology by Anne Lewis in ‘Tyne and Tide a Celebration of the River Tyne’ by David Archer. (Copies available at reduced price (£5 + postage) from davearcher@yahoo.com).