Flintshire Volunteers Tackle Invasive Plant at Greenfield Park

Volunteers from Cyd Innovation, a prominent company based in Flintshire, recently dedicated a day to tackling the invasive Himalayan Balsam at Greenfield Valley Heritage Park.

The six-member team, based at Greenfield Business Park, successfully removed over six bags of the non-native plant from the 70-acre site. Himalayan Balsam, a fast-spreading species introduced to the UK in the 1800s, has become a significant problem in wetlands, often out-competing native plants.

Brenda Harvey, Chair of the Greenfield Valley Trust, praised the volunteers’ efforts, noting that removing this invasive species is essential for protecting the park’s natural environment.

“We are so grateful for the invaluable contribution that teams of volunteers, such as this one from Cyd Innovation, make in supporting our efforts to keep the Valley an attractive place for visitors and the local community,” she said.

“Halting the spread of invasive species like Himalayan Balsam is time-consuming, but the team’s hard work will have a positive impact as we continue to improve and maintain the area.”

The day of volunteer work was also embraced by the Cyd Innovation team. Victoria Potter, Head of People and Process at Cyd Innovation, was among those lending a hand.

She commented: “We all enjoyed the day. It did us as much good as it did the heritage park, and I would encourage any business to take a few hours, as a team, to make a little difference in the community where they work.”

The Greenfield Valley Heritage Park offers a range of opportunities for volunteers to get involved, whether individually or as part of a company, club, or organisation.

Anyone interested in supporting the park’s ongoing maintenance efforts is encouraged to contact the Visitor Centre or visit the park’s website for more details.

Himalayan Balsam, though attractive with its pink flowers, poses a threat to the UK’s natural habitats.

The shallow-rooted plant is easy to pull out but requires consistent effort over several years to fully eradicate.

Greenfield Valley Trust says it is committed to its removal as part of its broader efforts to maintain and improve the park for future generations.

The charity works closely with Flintshire County Council to oversee the park’s operations and environmental care.

For more information about volunteering, or to explore how your company can get involved, contact Greenfield Valley Trust through their website or social media.