Staff from Cowes-based technology company Yokogawa Marex have teamed up with Gift to Nature to remove harmful Himalayan Balsam along the Eastern Yar at Newchurch.
A team of volunteers from the software solutions company took to the wetlands along the Eastern Yar to help local charity Gift to Nature to reduce the invasive Himalayan Balsam. Project Managers Carol Flux and Nic Wheeler guided the team throughout the afternoon, ensuring members correctly removed the balsam and collected the seeds to minimize the chance of the weed returning in the future.
Wayne Matthews, Divisional Director of Yokogawa Marex said:
“Yokogawa Marex as a company is committed to preserving and helping the local environment which is vital for native habitats and future generations. It was hard going, but spending time away from screens, desks, and jobs to enjoy the outdoors and helping to support local initiatives was an enjoyable experience for all involved.”
Gift to Nature’s Managing Director, Graham Biss added:
“We only have a short season to remove the plant, which means we never ever have enough volunteers. When Yokogawa Marex approached us and offered to help, we were incredibly grateful, and this proved to be our biggest ever ‘pull’
“20 employees came out with us, and we cleared a field where some balsam had grown over 8ft in height.”
