Burnley park under attack from killer weed

4:30pm Tuesday 1st July 2008

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TOWNELEY Park is under attack - from a killer weed.

Himalayan Balsam, which grows up to seven metres tall and destroys other woodland plants by blocking out sunlight, has been found in the park.

The Friends of Towneley Park are facing a race against time before the plant, which can produce up to 800 seeds a year, flowers next month.

They are appealing for volunteers to get rid of the Balsam, which is also known as the pink peril, before it blooms and gets out of control in Towneley’s woodland.

Maureen Frankland, chair of Friends of Towneley Park said: “The problem is it is a pretty flower and people don’t realise the destruction that it causes. If we don’t take action now soon all the wild garlic, bluebells and fox gloves will be depleted.

“We need as many volunteers as possible to get rid of the nuisance plant, before it starts to flower, its growing stronger by the day.

“We hope it will be a good day out and this is the most effective, enviromentally friendly way to dispose of it properly. It destroys the roots of the plant preventing them from seeding again in the future.

“This plant has got to go.”

Already volunteers have successfully weeded several areas but more help is needed to tackle new locations.

Anyone willing to help out with the weeding should meet in the foyer of Towneley Park Hall at 10.30am, Monday July 7.

For more information call Maureen at Friends of Towneley Park on 01282 432423 or contact the Hall on 01282 424213, or www.towneley.org.