Take part in the Big Balsam Bash on Sunday 12 July
Himalayan Balsam is an invasive species, brought to the UK by botanists in 1839. Originally introduced as a garden plant, it is now found mainly along the banks of rivers and streams. Himalayan Balsam spreads vigorously and out-competes all other plants. In a single season it can grow 2-3 m tall and produce 300 to 400 seeds per plant in pods that explode and fire the seed to distances of up to 7 m. The seeds spread downstream and are deposited on river banks and in wetlands. Himalayan Balsam can quickly take over river valleys and, whilst the pink flowers are very beautiful and attractive to bees, it has a significant negative impact on wildflowers and insect biodiversity. In the winter, balsam dies down to nothing, leaving exposed soil that is subject to erosion, causing damage to the riverbanks.
Himalayan Balsam has taken over large sections of the Bull River and its tributaries that flow through the heart of Chiddingly Parish and we need your help to get rid of it. This is where the Big Balsam Bash comes in. As we explain on our Invasive Species Removal page, the most effective way to control Himalayan Balsam is to bash it down with a stick once it is flowering but before it sets seed. An hour or two bashing will help us clear a significant section of the Bull River, so why not come along and help? Bashing balsam is sociable, great fun, family friendly, fantastic exercise and is excellent for anger management. Oh, and there will be cake afterwards. What better for a summer Sunday morning?
Himalayan Balsam has taken over large sections of the Bull River and its tributaries that flow through the heart of Chiddingly Parish and we need your help to get rid of it. This is where the Big Balsam Bash comes in. As we explain on our Invasive Species Removal page, the most effective way to control Himalayan Balsam is to bash it down with a stick once it is flowering but before it sets seed. An hour or two bashing will help us clear a significant section of the Bull River, so why not come along and help? Bashing balsam is sociable, great fun, family friendly, fantastic exercise and is excellent for anger management. Oh, and there will be cake afterwards. What better for a summer Sunday morning?
Where and when
The Big Balsam Bash starts at 10:00 on Sunday 12 July at Stream Mill Smallholding near Muddles Green (see directions below). Depending on the weather and levels of volunteer enthusiasm, we will finish by midday. Please aim to be at the farmhouse by 10:00 so that we can brief everyone and then walk the 5 minutes or so to the bashing area together. Bear in mind that the farmhouse is approx. 10 minutes walk from the road, so allow sufficient time to get there.
What you'll need to bring
We recommend that you wear long trousers and boots (to avoid ticks) and a long-sleeved shirt (to avoid nettles).
Gardening gloves (or similar) are essential. If you have a stout stick, ideally 3-4 feet (1-1.5 m) long, please bring it (lengths of roofing baton are ideal). Balsam bashing can be hot work, so please bring plenty of water with you. A simple water station and basic first aid will be available, and Helen and Andrew are offering tea and cake in their barn at the end of the bash. They have also offered to shuttle volunteers back to the road. If you have any questions about the event, please email us at [email protected].
Gardening gloves (or similar) are essential. If you have a stout stick, ideally 3-4 feet (1-1.5 m) long, please bring it (lengths of roofing baton are ideal). Balsam bashing can be hot work, so please bring plenty of water with you. A simple water station and basic first aid will be available, and Helen and Andrew are offering tea and cake in their barn at the end of the bash. They have also offered to shuttle volunteers back to the road. If you have any questions about the event, please email us at [email protected].
DirectionsThe venue for the Big Balsam Bash is Stream Mill Smallholding, approx. 1.5 miles (2.5 km) northeast of Muddles Green off Stonehill.
Stream Mill Smallholding is only accessible via a rough track off Stonehill. This is not suitable for cars. Park on Stonehill and walk down the track to the farm (approx. 10 minutes). The entrance to the track on Stonehill will be signposted. If you use what3words, navigate your way to: ///volume.weddings.sped. There is a lay-by suitable for parking just south of the track entrance. Please avoid blocking any gateways. Use +/- to zoom in/out of the Google Map. To view a larger map, click the box in the top right corner. |
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Important safety information
If done sensibly, balsam bashing is a safe and family friendly activity. We will be providing health and safety guidance at the start of the bash and it is important that everyone follows this. We would not recommend bringing along young children as the combination of children and swinging sticks is potentially not a good one.