Himalayan balsam. An alien that is invading our river banks and other places.

Yup a shrub that needs to be eradicated. Yet another escapee from the 'big' gardens. Brought in by the plant hunters who had no idea how it would take over... Hence the strict er rules these days.

Thanks - not seen it before and it was quite prolific in a very small area.

It is extremely prolific, therein lies the problem.

Just been reading up on it - probably left growing where it was because there's a stream alongside and so chemical treatment would be a problem. One of the bits of literature was also going on about control by grazing by sheep and cattle from April so another reason why it wouldn't be sprayed.