Since my last report we have held a combined Work Party with Wildlife Trust volunteers and our own volunteers, under the guidance of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s Invasive Non-Native Species Project Coordinator to tackle the Himalayan Balsam problem in the reedbed.
A marvellous turnout of keen helpers made excellent progress pulling non-flowering plants, thus reducing the potential of more plants next year! However it was noted that the strip of land nearest the stream and under the trees was densely populated with many established Balsam plants – too many to deal with by hand pulling alone. We are gratefull that the PCNP offered to fund the engagement of a contractor to come along with a brushcutter to cut down all the vegetation in this area. This work was carried out shortly after the our work party and we are now monitoring the extent of the plants in other parts and will arrange another Balsam Bashing Work Party if it is thought necessary. There may even be the need for more drastic action to be taken later in the season using mechanical equipment if it is considered beneficial to the health of the habitat as a whole.
The Invasive Species expert reported he had seen a small area of Japanese Knotweed near the entrance to the boardwalk and will treat it with herbicide when it has reached the correct growth stage!
When Balsam pulling had reached the point when enthusiasm for the task was waning, the volunteers helped to control the hogweed and hemlock water dropwort at the sides of the boardwalk preventing it from encroaching over the pathway.
The Wildlife Trust Reserves Manager offered to arrange to cut down the car park meadow area and we agreed to rake and remove the cuttings.
A frequent user of Holyland Wood has reported a problem to us. It appears a large tree is now making access from the Jack Skone’s entrance difficult. After consultation it was agreed that we would seek help from a local chainsaw operator to cut down the offending tree in the near future to remove the obstruction.
Apart from the problems reported above, Holyland Wood continues to attract many visitors and offer a place for quiet enjoyment of the natural world.
John C