3rd August 2025 - Balsam Bash
Our last two events on July 6th and June 1st were also Balsam bashes - there is a large amount of Himalayan Balsam in Colden Clough, and despite repeated attempts to stem its spread throughout the valley it continues to thrive.
in Europe, Himalayan balsam has been included since 2017 in the list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern (the Union list). Its aggressive seed dispersal, coupled with high nectar production which attracts pollinators, often allows it to out-compete native plants.
Himalayan balsam also promotes river bank erosion due to the plant dying back over winter, leaving the bank unprotected from flooding.