Sitting pretty...

This robust Himalayan balsam plant is on course to produce a good crop of seeds, which it will fling up to 5 metres.

Natural corridors, such as watercourses, and man-made networks, such as roads and railways often facilitate the dispersal of invasive plants. A few Himalayan balsam have established on this railway embankment in Inverness.

Left untreated, there are likely to be many more plants next year.

... but how to reach it?

Does removing a small colony of balsam qualify as an emergency? Probably not, but timely action now will certainly save time later.

Meryl

BTCV recently appointed Meryl Norris as Invasive Species Apprentice in their Natural Talent programme. Meryl is seconded to Cromarty Firth Fishery Trust, though her remit covers all Highland.

Magellan Ragwort

This alien plant is well established in Caithness and the Northern Isles although not really a troublesome invasive.
An artist has found it a source of inspiration -see http://joannebkaarbakersbotanistswhalers.blogspot.com/2010/06/magellan-daisy.html

Scottish invasives: Himalayan balsam

Volunteers are clearing this plant along the Cromarty Firth, if anyone spots it in or around the Black Isle please let BTCV Scotland know on 01463 811560 or send details via this blog - its important that we stop its spread and reduce its range. Ta

Skunk cabbage

Skunk cabbage can become a problem in wet woodlands, though it is not yet widely established in Scotland. It has large leaves up to a metre long.

Himalayan balsam

Himalayan balsam Impatiens glandulifera was introduced to Britain's gardens in the early 19th century. This pretty invader is now a widespread problem throughout Scotland. A native to the West and Central Himalayas it has escaped its natural predators and thrives largely unharmed in Scotland. After flowering the ripe seed pods explode, scattering seed up to 5 metres from the parent plant. The seeds are also easily transported along watercourses.