VOLUNTEERS are needed to join a follow up to last years blitz on balsam at the Castle Meadows in Abergavenny.

Keep Wales Tidy in collaboration with Victoria Street Neighbourhood Watch and Monmouthshire County Council's Countryside Section will again be running a series of sessions to tackle the invasive alien plant Himalayan Balsam.

It is spreading rapidly through the countryside especially near watercourses and dominates areas to the detriment of native species.

However it is possible to control it simply by pulling up the annual plants before they seed as the balsam's roots lift up quite easily.

Last year a team of volunteers were successful in pulling a large swathe of this weed from the entrance by Byfield car park up towards the Castle, which has made a big difference.

However a follow up blitz is needed in order to continue on to a new patch further down the meadows.

Those wishing to take part are asked to come suitably dressed with strong shoes with grip, gardening gloves to any of the following sessions by meeting at the meadows by the Byfield Lane car park gate on Tuesday, May 22 at 10am and 2pm; on Wednesday May 23 at 10am and 2pm.

The procedure is being continued on Saturday, June 9 at 10am; Tuesday, June 12 at 10am and 2pm and Wednesday, June 13 at 10am and 2pm.