Islanders are being asked to check their land for the invasive Himalayan balsam, following a recent sighting.
For the past three years, Agriculture, Countryside and Land Management Services has worked to eradicate the non-native, Himalayan balsam.
The pinkish helmet-shaped flowers grow rapidly, damaging surrounding plants, impacting local wildlife and biodiversity.
After removing thousands, the Non-Native Invasive Species Team believed the invasive plant had been eradicated from Guernsey. Until now.
Following a recent sighting, they believe many more pockets of Himalayan balsam still exist around the island.
Francis Russell from ACLMS says one plant can spread hundreds of seeds.
“Most of the sites where we found this invasive plant were in peoples' gardens.
We rely on public interest and support in reporting this, and any other invasive species.
We are also grateful for their goodwill to allow us to access their land to remove it once it’s been identified.
We really don’t want to see this species becoming established in Guernsey, as it spreads alarmingly easily and will become a significant problem for our natural spaces and for landowners."
Suspected sightings of Himalayan balsam should be reported by emailing aclms@gov.gg.
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