 Volunteers from Kingston University did their part for the environment when they embarked on a ‘Balsam Bash’, the removal of invasive weeds, on a stretch of the Hogsmill River.
The River that flows through the University’s Knight’s Park and Middle Mill grounds was given a major clear up, from litter picking to saving native species in the area. The ‘Balsam Bash’ involved volunteers uprooting Himalyan Balsam, a non-native species, colonising the area, preventing other plants growing.
Biodiversity Administrator, Lynsey Stafford, who organised the day, said: “The University is enthusiastic about conserving and enhancing the living environment of all our campuses and contributing to the local community.’
“Thanks to the volunteers, native species will now have a chance to colonise the area and turn the riverbank into a more diverse environment. The Balsam Bash was needed because of the abundance of Himalayan Balsam at Middle Mill – it was out competing the native species on the riverbank, causing a decline in diversity. It was also causing erosion problems in winter when it died back.”
The volunteers included students, ex-students, staff from the sustainability team, post-doctoral researchers from the University and local councillor and KU alumnus, Bart Ricketts.
Amyn Sule, studying an MSc in Mobile Location Based Services, who volunteered on the day said: “I took part in the project because it was fun and I enjoy giving something back to the environment, even if it is a small amount and everyone that takes part in events like this are friendly and enthusiastic.”
During the day they litter picked the area filling six large sacks of rubbish which was cluttering up the River and its banks.
Zhao Chunhai, one of the volunteers said: “I found so much rubbish in the river, plastic, bottles, clothes, toys, even a bicycle and a wooden door. We found lots of duck and swans nests in the river, containing eggs, but all the rubbish surrounding these nests, is not good for the little birds. We should protect the environment for both man and the animals, that is why I took part in the event, to help society.”
Lynsey Stafford added: “It was a great day – we were really lucky with the weather as it was warm and sunny. The time really flew by and we achieved everything that we wanted to. Afterwards we all headed to the local pub to relax with a cold drink!”
The event also tied into Paint the Town Green, a Royal Borough of Kingston community initiative to raise environmental awareness which is running throughout May.
|
