Young people from Cubs, Beavers and Guides worked together in a fun sponsored event to remove an invasive plant species called Himalayan balsam in The Carrs Park in Wilmslow on Sunday.
The young people and leaders, from 4th and 2nd Wilmslow groups, successfully removed some 15 square metres of Himalayan balsam over the four-hour event, raising £250 in the process.
The efforts of the children, aged between six and 14, were rewarded with a barbeque lunch, including making their own ‘s’mores’ (toasted marshmallows squashed between two chocolate digestive biscuits) over an open fire.
The youngsters removed 15sq m of Himalayan balsam
The local Scouts have joined conservation group BEACON (Bollin Environment Action and Conservation group) in its battle against the aggressive weeds that have been threatening to take over in areas along the River Bollin, driving out native species.
Mark Adamson, Akela of 4th Wilmslow Scouts, said: “We’re grateful for the large numbers of young people and volunteers who turned out to help bash the balsam this weekend.
"We were able to clear a significant amount successfully, leaving room for native plants to grow.
“With conservation a key issue for young people in particular, we’re proud our Scouting groups have been able to help enhance our local environment in this way, as well as having a heap of fun."
“BEACON is trying to control and eradicate non-native species that can do real harm to the local environment,” said Sally Potts, invasives project officer for BEACON.
“We work with communities and landowners across the local area in a co-ordinated way to control these species and raise awareness.”
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