A ‘CONCERTED effort’ needs to be made to rid East Lancashire of an invasive alien species of plant that is threatening to ruin our eco system, according to wildlife experts.

Himalayan Balsam, or Jumping Jack as it is sometimes known, has spread across the entire country since it escaped from London gardens after being introduced in 1839. And because it tolerates low light, can grow six feet tall and produces up to 800 seeds per plant, it threatens to obliterate native vegetation.

A spokesperson for the Wildlife Trust said: “It’s a widespread issue and there will be removal across the country.

“It’s an invasive species and it will smother out other species and change our entire eco system eventually if it is left.”

Blackburn with Darwen Council has appealed for volunteers to take part in a ‘balsam bashing’ session at Darwen moor on Thursday but Wildlife Trust Lancashire’s Alan Wright said it isn’t just moors that are affected.

He said: “We see it everywhere because it’s wind-blown but it’s mainly spread by water so you will find it on river beds and things like that. If you look at any river bank in Lancashire you will see it.”

Some weedkillers will work on balsam, but Alan said they are not recommended.

The best solution would be for landowners to come together and get rid of it.

He said: “We need to bash it early before it seeds for a couple of years. Until there’s a concerted effort it will spread.

“It’s very difficult to get rid of it altogether.

“If we go into an area and see it, we will get rid of it.

“We are constantly removing it from across the whole county and the region.”

Volunteers helping the council remove balsam from Darwen moor can meet at 6pm at the Sunnyhurst Pub, and on July 4 from 6pm at the Royal Arms pub car park in Tockholes.

For more information, call Countryside Services on 01254 55423.