One of the ongoing challenges facing the Estate is the arrival of invasive species and how we manage or control the spread of them. One of these is currently Himalayan Balsam. This grows prolifically along water courses and swamps other native plants. This has an impact on biodiversity, but also (when it dies back in the winter) leaves river banks exposed to erosion.
During an Environment Forum day, the Swinton’s Estate Rural Manager, will present how we are tackling Himalayan Balsam (in partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust).
We will also be joined by the local action group that is campaigning for clean water on the River Ure and is collecting water samples to establish what the sources of pollution are. They will explain the science behind the tests, what solutions are for reducing the pollution and also how the campaign group negotiates current legislation to push this agenda forward. The Swinton’s Estate Rural Manager will update us on progress with our Estate scheme where we are taking water samples from the River Burn, and on our natural flood management projects that are designed to slow the flow naturally to reduce flooding and improve biodiversity and water quality.
The tour of the Estate will include a trip to the banks of the River Burn to see the impact of the Himalayan Balsam, take part as working parties to help remove some of it and to take water samples.
