Left to itself, as a wilderness, Ham Lands would soon deteriorate as rampant and invasive species crowded out the more sensitive plants, blocked pathways and colonized the more open scrub and grassland.

Garden Escapes, cultivated plants that can be found growing in the wild. Sometimes they will not survive for long, they may not suit their new conditions or they may be killed off by frost or drought. On the other hand, hardier species can become established, flourish and even become invasive. 

By the towpath and in the flood area, you can find the Himalayan Balsam, it thrives in damp areas. This is a non-native, very invasive plant.

The biggest threat on Ham Lands is Janapese Knotweed.