An investigation into establishing the most effective method of controlling Impatiens glandulifera whilst encouraging the re-colonization of native British flora at Duxbury Wood, Chorley.

Abstract

The effect of an invasive plant species on native British plant species is something that is not normally considered by the average dog walker or hiker when passing through their local woodland, however unknown to them it is possible an on-going battle for both territory and light is in progress right before their eyes.

The invasion of Impatiens glandulifera to British woodland and riparian environments in the early 19th century has been detrimental to native plant species such as Hyacinthoides non-scripta or blue bell that carpets the floor of British woodlands.

Attempts at controlling Impatiens glandulifera has been undertaken by volunteers and organisations alike, however the manner in which these volunteers try and control Impatiens glandulifera has had poor results, resulting in the need for research into the most effective method of removing Impatiens glandulifera. The existing method employed by volunteers was the ‘Balsam bashing’ technique. The removal of the invasive species is one matter, but in order for the research to be a success it is was necessary to encourage native species back into areas previously affected by Impatiens glandulifera.

The research was undertaken in Duxbury wood, Chorley in the north west of England and was carried out over a 9-week period between July and September 2012.

Four different removal methods were devised and were used on 3x3M plots infested by Impatiens glandulifera. The methods consisted of hand pulling, strimming, balsam bashing and chemical application. The most effective method of removal, whilst also encouraging the re-colonization of native plant species was the hand pulling and strimming technique.