We're joining forces with West Cumbria Rivers Trust to tackle Himalayan Balsam, a non-native invasive plant, along the River Cocker. This summer we're supporting the Trust to fight back against balsam in the catchment, and we're hosting four Pull Together events where anyone can roll up their sleeves and help protect this beautiful river.
Our goal: to pull 132,000 balsam plants and stop 33 million seeds from spreading across the Cocker catchment.
Why balsam is a problem
Himalayan Balsam may look pretty, with its pink-purple flowers and sweet scent, but it is a real threat to local wildlife and our rivers. It grows fast, out-competes native plants, and dominates riverbanks. Dense stands can impede river flow, increase flooding risk, and when they die back in winter they leave banks bare and open to erosion, which is bad news for water quality and native fish. Invasive species like balsam cost the UK economy around £1.8 billion a year and are among the top five drivers of biodiversity loss globally.
A single balsam plant, pulled by hand.
A beer with purpose
We've brewed Balsam Basher, a beer with floral notes inspired by balsam's own aroma. Every sip is a step towards better water quality and stronger ecosystems, all from a river that gives us the water for our brews.
Pull together with us
Join our community balsam-bashing events and help make a difference. Dates and locations below.
1. Saturday 6 June 2026, 1-4pm. Meeting point: Double Mills Footbridge, Cockermouth (what3words: chef.likening.excavate, grid NY 11957 29903). Parking: plenty nearby in Cockermouth.
2. Wednesday 24 June 2026, 10am-3pm. Meeting point: Loweswater, near Cockermouth (what3words: gurgled.panning.newsprint, grid NY 11799 22488). Balsam-bashing location: what3words stylists.secures.zoned, grid NY 11223 23184.
3. Wednesday 8 July 2026, 10am-3pm. Meeting point and parking: Foulsyke, Loweswater (what3words: goose.times.dumplings, grid NY 14351 21124).
4. Saturday 25 July 2026, 1-4pm. Meeting point: Double Mills Footbridge, Cockermouth (what3words: chef.likening.excavate, grid NY 11957 29903). Parking: plenty nearby in Cockermouth.
A morning's work on the Cocker.
No experience needed and no sign-up required. Just turn up on the day. Everyone is welcome, and it is a great activity for all the family (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult).
Balsam is easy to pull by hand, so it is a simple, hands-on way to make a real difference. Come along for an hour or stay longer, meet others, and help us clear balsam along the river.
Please note: balsam bashes involve manual work on uneven ground, with stiles and areas of limited access. We recommend long sleeves and trousers, sturdy footwear or wellies, waterproofs and weather-appropriate clothing, plus drinks, lunch and gloves.
To say thanks, volunteers get a free pint in the Jennings taproom after each event.
Jennings and West Cumbria Rivers Trust, on the river that gives us our water.
For more about Himalayan balsam, visit West Cumbria Rivers Trust: westcumbriariverstrust.org
For queries about these Pull Together events, email Izzie: izzie@westcumbriariverstrust.org
