River Guardians Programme
August 2022
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Dear <<First Name>>,
Firstly an enormous THANKYOU! to everybody who has come out to join in with the BIG balsam Bash during July. We've bashed it all over the Eden catchment, from Appleby to Carlisle. We bashed it in the woods, we bashed it in the rivers, we bashed it in the fields and we bashed it along the footpaths and the cycleways. We put up leaflet boxes to support people who wanted to bash it 'out of hours' and worked with councils and community groups to encourage people everywhere to join forces and help us take on this ridiculously successful invasive species. We've even got a balsam song . . .
There is still balsam out there so even though it's getting a little late, we can do a bit more bashing to intercept a few extra plants before they propel their seeds out to colonise an even bigger area . . . There are volunteer and community balsam bashing events throughout August and we welcome help from anyone who'd like to get involved.
You can also check out our website for more information:
- and download our short guide for help with balsam bashing in your own patch:
It would be great to see you at any of our events - and it really is something that nearly everybody can join in with to make a real difference. So - pick a date, book yourself in and let us show you just how much fun a bit of weeding can be!
Cheers, Jenni
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💪Tree planting
Thursday 4 August, 10am - 3.00pm, Hilton, nr Appleby
Having said all that, this is a chance to have a quick break from the balsam - a session of tree planting to support one of our conservation projects near Appleby. We'll be using cell grown trees to minimize root disturbance and enable us to get these trees in the ground out of season. And you can help us get them going by doing a rain-dance in your kitchen!
Suitable for: anyone who'd like to do a bit of good old tree planting even though it's summer.
Experience: no experience needed.
Wear/bring: gloves and wellies/sturdy footwear, old work clothes, waterproofs, drinks, snacks & lunch.
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Balsam bashing events in August
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Unless otherwise indicated, balsam bashing events are
Suitable for: anyone
Experience: is not needed
Wear/bring: gloves, stout boots, old work clothes with long sleeves and trousers (to protect against nettles and brambles), waterproofs, drinks, snacks & lunch.
Physical intensity required: indicated by the amount of muscles - 💪 / 💪💪 / 💪💪💪 etc
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- Thursday 11 August, 10am - 3pm, Appleby - tbc1* - 💪
- Thursday 18 August,10am - 3.30pm, Glassonby - 💪💪
- Saturday 20 August, 10am - 12.30pm, Carlisle - 💪
- Wednesday 24 August2*, 10am - 3pm, Stockbridge - 💪💪
- Thursday 25 August, 10am - 3pm, Carlisle - 💪
- Monday 29 August3*, 10am - 3pm, Heads Nook - 💪
1*tbc - very water level dependant
2*Special combo event
Balsam station installation and balsam bashing - see below
3*Special Bank Holiday Bash!
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1* Balsam Station Installation and Balsam Bash combo
Wednesday 24 August, 9.30am - 3pm, Stockbridge
We'll be installing Himalayan balsam information stations along the riverside footpath to support anyone who's interested to do some independent balsam bashing along their walking route, and help keep the rivers free of this troublesome invasive.
Suitable for: anyone who can help carry the posts and equipment along uneven footpaths with stops for digging in and assembly at key points along the path - or please come along if you just want to join in with clearing up Himalayan balsam from the riverside footpath.
Experience: no experience needed.
Wear/bring: gloves and stout footwear, old warm clothes, waterproofs, drinks, snacks & lunch.
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For more information about volunteering with Eden Rivers Trust please get in touch with us at
volunteers@edenrt.org
or ring 01768 866788.
Don't forget, places on work parties must be booked beforehand.
Please note:
Factors such as Covid restrictions and the Cumbrian weather can have a major impact on safety at work parties and these may therefore be subject to change or cancellation at very short notice.
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Have you booked yourself in yet?
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