Walsall Arboretum is a site of importance for nature conservation and home to the Holbrook, once a stronghold for the protected white clawed crayfish. In recent years, volunteers from Walsall Arboretum User Group (WAUG) identified a growing issue with invasive Himalayan balsam spreading throughout the arboretum.

First recorded as an occasional presence in 2019, the plant rapidly spread along the course of the Holbrook, forming dense stands that began to outcompete native vegetation. The balsam's seasonal dieback also left large areas of bare ground during winter, increasing the risk of erosion and sediment entering watercourses, which can negatively impact local wildlife.

Through funding from the PEBBLE scheme, WAUG was able to support a programme of Himalayan balsam control. Volunteers organised targeted removal sessions, pulling plants by the roots before they could set seed, while contractors carried out additional vegetation management. The project combined strimming and hand-pulling techniques to tackle both large infestations and isolated plants.

The work continues through regular monitoring and follow-up volunteer sessions to prevent re-establishment. By protecting this important green space, the project is helping to safeguard biodiversity for future generations. Walsall Arboretum welcomes more than one million visitors every year, making it a valuable community asset enjoyed by people from all backgrounds.