HIMALAYAN BALSAM

Before we left Cornwall in 2006 I had only see one Himalayan Balsam plant in the locality but this year we were greeted by a profusion of growth and flowers. 

The following below is what research told me. “Introduced to the UK in 1839, Himalayan balsam is now a naturalised plant, found especially on riverbanks and in waste places where it has become a problem weed. Himalayan balsam tolerates low light levels and also shades out other vegetation, so gradually impoverishing habitats by killing off other plants. It is sometimes seen in gardens, either uninvited or grown deliberately, but care must be taken to ensure that it does not escape into the wild. Himalayan balsam is considered an invasive non-native plant and is listed on Schedule 9. Under the provisions made within Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to plant or cause Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) to grow in the wild.  The flowers of Himalayan balsam produce large amounts of nectar and are therefore very attractive to numerous bee species.” This last small paragraph I can endorse as being true. 

Two storms passed through in August and this food source was invaluable to the insects and bees. I was aware of their invasive nature and took out the seed heads to be burnt. Next year we will be there earlier and will take action to remove them. I am aware of the insect value and we will endeavour to provide other sources of nectar and pollen. 

The advice below came from the RHS and is a practical non-poisonous way of dealing with the problem.“The main method of non-chemical control, and usually the most appropriate, is pulling or cutting the plants before they flower and set seed. Conservation authorities regularly organise 'balsam bashing' work parties to clear the weed from marshland and riverbanks. ‘Himalayan balsam can be controlled by spraying the foliage with glyphosate. ‘This is not the way I would deal with this plant.

THE ICONIC RED-BREASTED ROBIN IS AT HOME

On the way to Roughtor I remember we had many singing Robins. This was still the case on our earlier visits this year and in July they were frequent visitors to the feeders and sang for us often. They have a wonderful sound, so joyous. In my mind our Platt belongs to all singing Robins. 

When we first arrived in July, we had forgotten how plant life can explode into life with the ability to cover the earth with various greens, yellows and reds. This has all happened since March when everything in view was moorland black soil. We are surrounded by huge Beech, Sycamore and Oak and these were now in full leaf. Both boundaries were covered in growth and we had no indication whether the flower seeds we had scattered had flowered or the cuttings we had inserted had rooted. So there we were surrounded by what nature can do without help from us. 

We walked the boundaries to note what trees we had. I walked the length to discover what was there. We are lucky to have a variety of species and the ones mentioned below are some of them. On the field boundary side there were large trunks of Pussy/Glaucous Willow that had been severely lopped, but now supported young bright green growth. I was delighted to find two substantial Common Oak Trees looking very healthy and later produced young light green acorns. There is a slight irony here because in February we were at a Herefordshire Wildlife Trust site at Sturts in the north of the county. It was late winter when we searched and found six intact acorns. They were put into soil in a pot and all grew and I transplanted them at four locations on our Platt.

 

Growing from the hedgerow was a “stunted” Common Oak that provided a small canopy for our feeders. The birds hopped in and out of the low branches as they snatched food. Nature had provided many sites for birds as well as insects, amphibians, and anything small. 

When the Platt was cleared trees had to be lopped and cut into lengths. These were stacked and would provide a haven for several species. I knew we would find lichen and this photograph shows a log pile with a Sycamore piece showing a white stain. 

RED CAMPIONS RAISE THEIR HEADS OVER A PLETHORA OF GROWTH

We had a brilliant showing of Red Campions underscored by a mass of green leaves of which only some species I could identify. Common Dock was an easy one to spot and on the edges Marsh Cudweed. 

There was also fresh shoots of Blackthorn which I will remove. The plan for this area could be to encourage what is there and add two fruit trees. In late winter the Blackthorn that had dominated was cleared as far as possible. It is an invasive bush where roots spread and new growth pops up. It is useful as a field boundary and will be allowed to do so. It flowers early and the mass of white is an harbinger of spring.

 

One of the things that I was aware of was not to destroy or damage habitats although the clearance of thick bushy growth was ruthless! But it doing so it allowed the sunlight to encourage other species. I will leave some bushes where they occur so that there is a mixture of vegetation throughout the platt. 

During March I took cuttings and put them into the recently topped hedgerow with others s that were present. We will only know what has survived next spring. 

I lifted the following from heartofenglandforest.org and that reinforces my thinking that I should always be aware of when and why we humans interfere with the natural world. Nectar and pollen source: 

¨Blackthorn’s early flowering means a welcome source of nectar and pollen for bees in the early spring. Its foliage is a food plant for the caterpillars of many moths, including the lackey, magpie, common emerald, swallow-tailed and yellow-tailed moths. They are also popular with rare black hairstreak and brown hairstreak butterflies – in case you missed it last time, the search is on for the eggs of the latter in parts of the Heart of England Forest." 

One thing I am intent on doing is to ensure there is a supply of nectar and pollen. I am working on it. My focus will be on the plants to do the job. I asked Cornwall Wildlife Trust for their thoughts,

THIS IS FROM PROTECT THE WILD

 

Murdering foxes. Killing its own hounds. Blocking badger setts. Brutal attacks on hunt saboteurs. Traumatising domestic animals. Stealing monitors’ equipment. This is the criminal Mendip Farmers Hunt (MFH).

Protect the Wild and Action Against Foxhunting are contacting councils in England and Wales to ask them to ban hunts from parading on their land on Boxing Day and New Year's Day. As part of that campaign, we have written to Priddy Parish Council and Somerset Council, explaining why they should prevent the Mendip Farmers Hunt (MFH) from parading on council land this Boxing Day. So far, Priddy Council has washed its hands of any duty it has, and has referred us to Somerset Council.

We have reminded both councils of the legal obligations they have, as well as the legal risks they take in allowing the hunt to meet (see here). Protect the Wild has made the councillors aware that there’s plenty of evidence to show that the MFH illegally hunts foxes, and causes havoc to the public and domestic animals.

We have also made the councils aware that a number of landowners, such as the National Trust, have banned hunts from trail hunting on their land. This is because they have recognised that hunts use the excuse of trail hunting (that is, saying that they are laying an artificial trail) as an excuse to illegally hunt real foxes. Councils can do the same – if they have the inclination.

Like many hunts across the country, there is plenty of evidence to show that the MFH couldn’t care less about the hunting ban, and continues to break the law.

Here are just a few examples of how the MFH is a criminal gang:

Murdering foxes

The hunt is regularly caught chasing and/or killing foxes. Hunt saboteurs even filmed the hunt chasing two foxes at its Priddy Green Boxing Day meet in 2022. The sabs uploaded the footage to Facebook, and reported on the second fox chase:

“After the hounds had been in the scrub for about 20 minutes, a fox broke covert from the scrub and ran the full length of the field boundary along the hedge line. This was in full view of hunt staff and riders on the ridge, and support on the road. Master George started walking his horse towards the fox as they emerged from the covert and shortly after, hounds went into cry – indicating they had found a scent.

Hounds came out from the covert in cry and the full pack followed the exact line the fox had taken along the field boundary. None of the hunt staff attempted to stop the hounds or call them back at any point, and the huntsman is seen shortly after, following the path of the hounds and fox. Quads, riders, and vehicle support all raced off down the road in the direction the fox ran to follow the chase. Sabs shouted to the hunt that they had the fox on film, but they still did not call the hounds off.”

Trespassing

In January 2023, Protect the Wild reported how MFH hounds tore through Chew Valley Animal Park, trespassing on the land and traumatising other animals.

Mendip Hunt Sabs told Protect the Wild at the time:

“Hounds from the Mendip Farmers Hunt picked up on a scent in fields to the north of Chew Magna, went into cry, and followed the line they were hunting into Chew Valley Animal Park. This local attraction is a licensed zoo and home to a diverse range of animals. The park owner described to us how the hounds were jumping into animal pens with goats and camels, traumatising them and other resident animals. Some of the affected goats are pregnant, causing immense concern for their welfare following the incident. All affected animals are being checked over by the park’s vet and they intend to send the vet bills to the hunt.”

The sabs continued:

“Obviously, if the hunt were following pre-laid trails through land they were entitled to be on, trespasses such as these simply would not happen. Instead, they insist on illegally hunting foxes, and as a result traumatise not only their quarry, but the local residents and landowners they encroach on as well.”

The sabs listed a number of other incidents where the MFH had trespassed on private land.

Blocking a badger sett

The Independent reported in 2019 that the hunt blocked a badger sett in order to trap a fox, illegal under the Protection of Badgers Act. The meet was hosted on MP Jacob Rees-Mogg’s land.

Extreme violence

Mendip Hunt Sabs previously told Protect the Wild:

“The Mendip Farmers Hunt are a gang of criminal thugs who frequently resort to violence in an attempt to deter sabs from documenting or preventing their persistent illegal fox hunting. In the past two years, we have secured seven convictions against them for violent crimes and have a number of cases still ongoing.”

These convictions include MFH supporter Christopher Hurden, who pleaded guilty to assault and criminal damage in 2021; hunt thug Ashley Louth, who was also found guilty of criminal damage in 2021 after slashing sabs’ tyres; and MFH’s former whipper-in, Tim Ingram, who was found guilty of criminal damage in late 2022 after he damaged a sab’s vehicle while illegally driving on the back of a terrierboy’s quad bike.

In 2021, sabs were victims of a brutal attack. They reported on Facebook:

“[Huntsman] Hickmott swept the horse’s head to impact and off balance one of our sabs and then cowardly Stevens stepped in and pushed them to the ground cracking their head on a slab on the ground and knocking them unconscious.

Huntsman, Mathew Hickmott shouted “GET THE CAMERAS”! Then all hell broke loose. The full force of the assembling gang of emboldened terriermen/thugs threw our other sab to the ground. The other, regaining consciousness, was treated just the same, the two were dragged around by their hair, their hood, repeatedly knocked to the ground, kicked and kicked when down, shouted to “GET OUT” and then pushed and knocked to the ground again when further blows reigned down. A brutal, cowardly attack. 8-10 thugs on two women. No notice was taken of them saying they were leaving. All cameras with the footage of the illegal hunt and kill followed by assault were ripped away from us despite heroic attempts to curl up and protect the precious footage.”

Hardly the kind of people you want parading down the street on Boxing Day.

BRINGING ATTENTION TO AN ONGOING PROBLEM

   

Wheelie good stickers! You asked for it and we wheelie delivered! We've slightly changed the design to feature a badger and fox! Thanks to one of our supporters who suggested we add the badger! Both of these amimals face extreme persecution and we exist to protect them from harm.  We've also added a QR code as this is is another great way to spread the word about Protect the Wild and what we stand for!  Thank you so much to everyone who is currently rocking one of our wheelie bin stickers we really appreciate the support! They're available now and you can get yours here!

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RURAL CRIME ACTION SITE

RURAL CRIME ACTION WEEK

I was alerted to this article by Raptor Persecution and it can be read in full on either site.

At the start of National Rural Crime Action Week (18-24 September), we have launched a campaign across North Yorkshire appealing for people to speak up with anonymous information about the illegal killings of birds of prey. 
 
All wild birds, their nests, and their eggs are protected by law. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure or take wild birds and offences can carry a prison sentence of up to six months.
 
Species such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons, buzzards, red kites and hen harriers are shot, poisoned and illegally trapped, with their nests and eggs frequently being disturbed.
CROME
As well as being incredibly cruel to the birds, many of which are increasingly rare in the wild, the spring traps used present a danger to people, and the poisons deployed can be dangerous even in very small amounts to humans as they can be absorbed through the skin.
 
Signs to spot:

• Dead birds of prey lying next to dead pigeons, rabbits, pheasants or other potentially poisoned baits. It is important not to touch anything.
• Live birds of prey caught in a trap.
• Spring traps set out in the open that are not within a cage tunnel or other enclosed tunnel structure.
• Any spring traps set out on top of a post – known as ‘pole traps.

PUTTING OUR NORTH CORNISH ADVENTURE INTO CONTEXT

Up to 2006 we lived close by where I sat writing this. We decided to leave for two reasons, firstly it is the wettest place in Cornwall and secondly there were financial considerations so we left and made a home 45 minutes south of Alicante. Summers in Spain are hot and we have discussed many times how we could get out of the heat and humidity, if we could.

 
Last September the three of us, Michelle, my son Matt had the same conversation to which I added ‘I still have a piece of land in Cornwall’. So the idea began to germinate. Matt is a camper and loves being outdoors. Then the researching, planning and examination of the possibilities took place. Ten months later we were where we planned to be.

 
NOW TO WRITING This is my first blog in weeks as we have been on the move, traveling from Spain, through France and then up to Harrogate, and finally to North Cornwall. I still cast an eye over the sites I follow: Raptor Persecution as always, Legal Justice, Protect The Wild and The SABS too. There has not been time to forward their posts as we have so much to research and evaluate. We have been fully wrapped up in our North Cornish Adventure surrounded by natural beauty that we love. We have an oasis where plant, birds and the insects are thriving. On the edge of the moor there is less intensive farming as in the case lower down. The grassy fields are fertilized naturally. The hedgerows offer an abundance of vegetation and each dog walk allows me to discover and identify other species. The dogs investigate all the smells and show me small animal routes. The badgers have well worn paths as they journey over hedgerows. Other species may use them too.

 
Our ‘Platt’ is small but a haven for wildlife and ourselves. We left it 17 years ago for the wild where Blackthorn became ‘king’. The ‘digger’ came in to uproot it. The mass of blackthorn was reduced by chipping but the tangly roots we are left with. There is in a mound 6 feet high, at least six across and 30 foot in length.. We will investigate its inhabitants at some stage. It’s covered in nettle, ferns and Himalayan Balsam. That particular flower has been a source of nourishment for bees and insects and helped them through the storms. Firstly Antoni and then Betty. They blew hard. 

Each morning the vegetation on this root mass is a gentle hum of insects, honey bees and Buff-tailed Bumble Bees. I hope to create more feeding opportunities for them by adding to the naturally growing wild flowers. We will consider carefully how we do this. By clearing the site opportunity has been given to everything else other than the mass of Blackthorn that dominated. Its value is still treasured. Grasses are now growing tall and are seeding as well as all the flowers that have sprung now they can see the sun. 

I had intended to write on a regular basis but this was not possible. Fortunately, Michelle and the camera through Face Book sent out reports daily. We were entertained often by the feathered inhabitants and when possible photographed. This young Dunnock, although not easy to spot, offered its young self for a moment, and the camera recorded it. I was pleased to see a juvenile as that indicated a breeding success.