Dowles Brook  Dowles Brook flows through the heart of the Wyre Forest, into the former parish of Dowles and into the River Severn. During the summer of 2012, with funding from the Environment Agency, the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust attempted an ambitious project to eradicate the invasive Himalayan Balsam from a 3 km watercourse, hoping to improve biodiversity and reduce soil erosion. A pilot project was carried out on the Lem Brook, a tributary of the Dowles Brook.This was a success but as the seeds persist in the soil for up to two years repeat eradication is planned for 2014 followed by close monitoring.