Conservation inspiration: unwanted guests

Yorkshire park wages war on alien space invaders

The River Holme’s banks on the park are being rid of its invasive non-native species taking up space

One of the multiple environmental challenges that many parks face is controlling invasive, non-native species. At Holme Valley, in Yorkshire, the park has become a flagship site for the control of Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Giant Hogweed.

To tackle the growth of these species, which are damaging to make a difference along the banks of the river that the charity is named after and which runs through the park.

“Holme Valley is criss-crossed with public footpaths along the main River Holme and is used by 15,000 campers and walkers each year,” says Simon Hirst, a river steward with River Holme Connections. “Stretching over 1Km of riverbank, and with significant infestations, the site is at high risk of the introduction and spread of invasive species. This is why our joint work is so important.”

Since the park joined forces with River Holme Connections the balsam has been bashed (by local volunteers and campers) and Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed have been chemically treated by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, who are also involved with the project.

River Holme Connections have also carried out habitat enhancement work including willow spiling tors about this problem.

To strengthen its conservation partnership, the park has donated money to the charity.

The project shows the value of working with local conservation groups and of involving guests.

“Campers use the river and fishing lake for paddling and leisure,” says Simon. “The excellent environmental education work the park is doing means that visitors and residents can see and take part in our river conservation activities.”

Seeking inspiration for new ways in which your park can help protect the natural world? In these articles, Rufus Bellamy, head of the David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme, highlights some of the latest initiatives being taken. For more ideas, visit https://stayuknews.co.uk/conservation/