Sally battling Giant Japanese Knotweed. Look at the size of the things!

This is the seed-head of a single Giant Hogweed plant, it can shower 50,000 seeds into the surrounding area, each capable of producing a 3m high plant that kills everything around it.  It is creating an impenetrable jungle, in places, on the Bollin banks

We're BEACON (Bollin Environmental Action and Conservation) a scheme to control destructive invasive weeds which are proliferating like mad in the inaccessible parts of the 200 sq.km River Bollin Valley*, in Cheshire.  Money is needed to buy weed-killing chemicals, spray suits, goggles and spraying equipment, as shown above, and get them to where they're needed.

Your contribution will go direct to BEACON's bank account.

The project has a full-time Project Officer, Sally Potts (that's Sally, above and in the video). In the past, DEFRA (The Department of Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs)  has paid her to do this work - but this funding will dry-up next March, 2015. 

(The recession may be over but the Government cuts live on!)

Everyone else involved in BEACON is a volunteer.

We want to preserve the Bollin's natural environment for the thousands of local people who enjoy it; for strolling, dog-walking, children's recreation or simply enjoying a breath of fresh air in the natural world.

We’re making good progress, large tracts of the accessible paths around the river are relatively clear of the three main culprits. The less accessible stretches are still 'seed factories' for the invaders.  After years of work, it would be tragic to see these pervasive weeds regain control, disrupting the whole ecological balance. 

That's why we're asking all the people who use the Bollin and its surroundings to give us just a few pounds a year, say, £5 or £10. It will make a huge difference, reducing the amount of damage being done by rapidly-spreading infestations of Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed and Himalayan Balsam.

This crowd-fund will be used for the sole purpose of tackling these highly destructive plants. 

Please contribute what you can afford to keep the Bollin Valley environment viable, or if you prefer, buy one of our 'perks'.

 For more info, check out our regular website. 

www.bollinnonnatives.co.uk

Thanks for your attention.  Please, please send us a small contribution (or a big one of you feel strongly about what we're trying to do!)  Just hit the 'Contribute now' button. You can debit your card in two  minutes.        >>>>>>>>>>>>

This is our first crowd-fund. Thanks to everyone who's  chipped-in.

With your help we'll kill lots of these huge, poisonous weeds and keep the Bollin  diverse and beautiful.

Thanks.   

Sally and the volunteer team.

*The Bollin river runs from the Macclesfield Forrest to the Ship Canal, near Warburton; though Macclesfield, Prestbury, Wilmslow, Styal, Ringway, Hale Barns, Hale, Ashley, Bowdon and Dunham. The catchment is 200 squ. km.

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The Enemies

Theses are the three giant plants threatening to competely overwhelm our beautiful river's ecosystem;

Giant Hogweed

Japanese Knotweed and Giant Japanese Knotweed.

Taking a stranglehold on the river banks

Himalayan Balsam  

Looks pretty but soon dominates every other plant within 4 metres.

Let's keep the Bollin a place fit for kingfishers, woodpeckers, sandmartins, salmon, trout, otters and our grandchildren to enjoy! Thanks.