Bashing

I joined a small gang of bashers to tackle the spread of Himalayan Balsam  (Impatiens glandulifera) in a nearby area of town. This invasive plant, altough not as pernicious as Japanese Knotweed,  spreads fast by means of its explosive pods which can propel seeds seven metres. 

The plants are quite easy to pull up, or cut down, having smooth stems and shallow roots but as Matt, the national park ranger (great hair!) explained, it's essential to cut below the first node or else the plant will regrow - see extra. Likewise, if uprooted, the stems must be thoroughly chopped up to exclude the possibility of regeneration.

Bees love balsam*  (although there are differing opinions as to whether it makes good honey) so much that native flowers miss out on getting pollinated. There's something about that here. 

*Matt explained that a local beekeeper refuses to clear his land for that reason.

Himalyan balsam seeds are edible and you can use them to make a curry, recipe here - but note the introductory caution which means you would have to do it on site!
https://www.eatweeds.co.uk/himalayan-balsam-seed-curry-recipe