Balsam blitz along the River Cray

The volunteers from The Friends of The Cray at Crayford need help to remove as much Himalayan balsam as possible from along the riverbank 🌿🌿🌿.

Himalayan balsam is an invasive plant which destabilises riverbanks and stops native plants from growing. Every spring the race is on to find and remove new balsam stems before they flower and propel thousands of seeds that would quickly grow and take over the surrounding area. Blitzing the balsam early each year is gradually helping to eradicate it.

The task

We'll be pulling up and squashing Himalayan balsam stems along Footpath 106 which follows the river. Don't worry if you've never seen the plant before - you'll be shown what to look for and what to do. You won't be going into the river.

What to wear

Please wear clothes to protect your legs and arms from nettles and other overgrowth along the path, and sturdy shoes too. You'll need gloves 🧤.

📍 When and where

Meet at 10am in Waterside Gardens, Crayford Way, Crayford, nearest postcode DA1 4JJ. Look out for Sarah and the volunteers from The Friends of The Cray.

This task is listed to finish at 11.30am but it's fine to leave earlier. The Friends of The Cray volunteers will be working on until about 2pm with a break for lunch. You are welcome to stay longer if you want. There is a picnic spot and some cafes nearby.