The South West Lakes Trust’s Siblyback Lake conservation team has issued a call to action over a major influx of Himalayan balsam at the lake, jesting that the invasive plant has ignored all social distancing rules and is back - and they have also set up a special ‘Alien Defender Trail’ to help youngsters learn about other invasive species.

The call to action coincides with Invasive Species Week, which began yesterday (Monday, May 24) and is a joint initiative led by a GB Non-invasive Species Secretariat. It promotes the taking of simple steps to stop the spread of non-native species which threaten Britain’s plants and animals. Working in partnership, South West Lakes Trust and South West Water will be running a series of events and activities at various lakes to raise awareness of the impacts of invasive species and of how visitors to the lakes can help prevent their introduction and spread.

At Siblyback Lake, there will be a special ‘Alien Defender Trail’ set up for youngsters by the South West Lakes’ Environment and Engagement Team. They will be calling on all young Alien Defenders to help them beat Ronnie and Reggie Crayfish (the Red Claw Twins and leaders of an invasion of our native waterways) who have not only hidden the trail posters but have put in some alien activities to try to deter children from completing the trail. Youngsters who find the ‘wanted’ posters hidden in the playground and fend off the Red Claw distraction tactics will receive an Alien Defender certificate once they have posted their best alien face selfie to the lakes trust.

On Thursday (May 27) the South West Lakes Trust and South West Water will be hosting the South West invasive Species Forum from 10am-1.30pm, with forum members from across the South West coming together digitally for a morning of talks and regional updates. It is a free event but booking is essential via www.swlaketrust.org.uk/whats-on

But for adult volunteers, on bank holiday Monday (May 31) the activities will be all about keeping in check the blousy pink blooms of Himalayan balsam (believe it or not a relative of bizzie lizzie), which first invaded our shores in 1839. It is now a naturalised plant which grows rapidly and spreads quickly, often shading out other, often native, vegetation as it grows. It will tolerate shade and will quickly see off other plants as it marches along riverbanks and lake shores.

Now the trust is seeking helpers for a ‘call to action event’ on Bank Holiday Monday May 31 jokingly entitled ‘Alien Invasion Episode 3 - The Balsam Awakens’ and says: “To mark the end of Invasive Species Week 2021, why not volunteer to be one of our Conservation Crew and help make a difference to Siblyback’s Biodiversity by helping us remove this invasive plant from the south section of the lake’s shores. By volunteering, you will be actively assisting in our ongoing programme to control this invasive plant.”

The time slots for volunteers taking part in the action day will be from 10am to midday and from 1pm to 3pm. To book a place, readers can call 01566 771930 or visit www.swlakestrust.org.uk/whats-on 

Due to current COVID Regulations, crew members for each time slot will be limited to six, so those wishing to volunteer are requested to book onto the event prior to attending. People taking part should also bring suitable clothing for a practical task involving venturing into dense vegetation and tackling some uneven ground (gloves provided). They should also bring a packed lunch and refreshments, but there will be cake provided.

For further details of forthcoming events see www.swlakestrust.org.uk