The annual GG Richmond battle with the highly invasive Himalayan balsam scourging local riverbanks has commenced and on a fiery Saturday morning, four fearless warriors stepped into the leafy arena.

While a few plucky nettles defending the tall foes hit their mark, they were no match for our gang who snipped and trampled them out of the way to reach the balsam, which they whipped from the ground to the sound of the familiar and satisfying ‘pop’ that only comes from defeating them roots and all.

Although there was some dappled shade to be had in the sheltered riverside oasis, it was certainly a warm one and when the deed was done our champions each departed to their chosen location for a horizontal afternoon.