Volunteers wanted for Balsam Bashing near Bath
Intro
Come and have a fun day balsam bashing with Protect Earth! It’s very satisfying and we would love to meet you. Can’t come on the 19th but want to help? We have a regular work party here every Saturday. Email help@protect.earth for more information.
Protect Earth is a registered charity, helping farmers and landowners increase tree cover and biodiversity on their land. We plant trees on unused and degraded farmland, use trees to provide shade and shelter for crops and livestock, remove invasive species, create wildflower meadows, and help with tree maintenance for saplings that are struggling.
What is happening?
In January we bought unused land to create an exciting new nature reserve on the banks of the River Avon at Warleigh on the outskirts of Bath. We are developing the wetlands and woodlands whilst protecting the rare calcareous grassland and other native plants. Springtime showed us how much invasive Himalayan Balsam we have, and we keep finding more! It is relatively easy to pull up, but now that it is bigger we are simply cutting it down to prevent it seeding.
We need as many people to join us for a major effort to help us do battle. We appreciate volunteers who are able to come for part of the day or whole day and you don’t need previous experience.
Why do we need to do this?
Himalayan Balsam has pretty pink flowers, but it is very invasive because once they seed they spread easily, across our site and down river towards our neighbours property. It crowds out our native plants then dies back in Winter to expose the soil and river banks leading to erosion, so it’s important to remove as much as possible before it’s too late.
What do I need to bring/ know?
Full details will be sent out a week before the event. Please come dressed for the weather. Trousers and long sleeves are recommended.
We will provide tea, coffee, and biscuits to keep you going, but please bring your own lunch and snacks, and a refillable water bottle as there will be water available to top up.
You can bring your own tools if you prefer, but we have plenty that you can borrow.
Will there be parking?
Parking is in The Angelfish Cafe/Cananl Centre car park at the bottom of Brassknocker Hill. You will need to pay for parking. We will meet you at the far end of the car park.
Whenever possible we encourage volunteers to car share, use public transport, or even cycle, to keep emissions down and avoid stressing parking space.
What happens if we need to cancel?
Bad weather is difficult to plan for. In general, we will continue if it’s raining, but if extreme weather is forecast we will have to postpone an event for your safety. We will try and notify you as soon as we possibly can, and you’ll be invited to the rescheduled event.