Increase in butterfly and insects

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by JoulesH

We have that problem with himalayan balsam, which we as farmers are required to control

Why are you required to control Himalayan Balsam?

[JoulesH]

Because it's an invasive non-native. Once it gets established it is so vigorous it just shades all other plants out and takes over the area - particularly bad along rivers. GAEC 11 in the attached, (GAECS are not required by law, but have to be abided by farmers who are claiming support through the main Single Payment Scheme). However, controlling it along rivers is really difficult due to obvious restrictions on herbicide use.

http://www.crosscompliance.org.uk/cm...einEngland.pdf