VOLUNTEERS from Serica Energy were spotted along the banks of the Dee River at Peterculter on August 2, joining forces with the River Dee Trust to combat the problem of invasive plants and their harmful effects on the river’s banks.
Serica answered the call for assistance from the Trust earlier in the year, stepping up as River Dee Guardians, dedicating both time and resources to crucial efforts aimed at restoring and protecting the River Dee.
A group of eight intrepid volunteers worked non-stop to pull out Himalayan Balsam, a visually appealing but invasive plant that spreads rapidly along the lower Dee.
Claire Fleming, engagement officer for the Trust said: “We were delighted to welcome Serica for its first volunteering session as River Dee Guardians. The volunteers were not scared to get their hands dirty tackling a huge area of previously untouched Himalayan Balsam that was densely populated and at points reached heights topping eight feet. With the sunshine and humidity, it did feel like a jungle adventure!
“The team’s hard work will reduce the spread of this invasive plant downstream, and come next year, we hope to see less growing back here and more of our native species starting to come through on the riverbanks.”
Himalayan Balsam outcompetes many native plants and has a shallow root system that does not contribute to the stability of the riverbank. Its rapid seed dispersal and attraction to insects negatively affect the pollination of native plants that are more beneficial to wildlife.
Johnny Pike, ESG analyst at Serica said: “As proud River Dee Guardians, it was great to be able to get our team out to support the Trust’s work in removing invasive Himalayan Balsam. We look forward to continuing to get involved in great opportunities to support our river.”
The Trust’s efforts to remove Himalayan Balsam and other invasive non-native plants, including the notorious Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed, and the interestingly named American Skunk Cabbage, are made possible through the support of the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI).
To learn more about how your organisation can become a River Dee Guardian and enable world-leading conservation on your doorstep, contact [email protected].
