Community
Pull Together: Bash the Balsam
Double Mills Footbridge, Cockermouth
An afternoon on the River Cocker with West Cumbria Rivers Trust, pulling Himalayan balsam before it seeds. Balsam crowds out native riverbank plants and leaves the banks bare to winter erosion; it pulls out easily by hand, and every plant out is hundreds of seeds stopped. No experience or sign-up needed, just turn up; under 18s with an adult. Long sleeves, trousers, sturdy boots or wellies, and gloves. Meeting point and registration details are on the sign-up page. Every volunteer earns a free pint of Balsam Basher at the taproom afterwards.
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