Aggressive plant's growth tackled

Invasive Himalayan Balsam has been mowed and mulched

Staff at a nature reserve in Anglesey are fighting an "invasive" plant from Asia which is threatening the native wildlife.

The Himalayan Balsam, dubbed the Policeman's Helmet, is said to be spreading fast and causing damage at the Nant-y-Pandy reserve in Llangefni.

The plant, which has pink and purple flowers, can grow up to two metres high and suffocate other species.

Workers at the reserve have started trying to eradicate it from the park.

The Himalayan Balsam, native to the Himalayan region of Asia, has been classed as a pest by the UK Government.

Karen Rigby-Faux says native vegetation can be suffocated

Karen Rigby-Faux, project development officer at the reserve, said the battle was already under way.

"We've been tackling this invasive species by mowing and mulching the less sensitive areas or hand pulling the plant in more sensitive, less accessible areas," she said.

"Once established, the tall plant, with pink and purple flowers, competes against native plants and in many places it has been known to suffocate native vegetation.

"It can grow up to two metres in height and one seed pod can release up to 800 seeds."

Nant-y-Pandy reserve, also known as The Dingle, which covers 25 acres, is owned by the Isle of Anglesey County Council.

Local county councillor John Arthur Jones described it as a "valuable community resource".

"I'm glad that the threat posed by the Himalayan Balsam is being taken seriously and that action is being taken to eradicate it and protect Nant-y-Pandy," he said.

Similar problems with the plant have been reported by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.