Market Rasen – Balsam Bashing!
Himalayan Balsam is a non-native invasive species which has become widely naturalised along riverbanks and ditches, especially close to towns. It is fast-growing and spreads quickly, invading wet habitat at the expense of other, native flowers. Its explosive seed pods aid its spread by sending the seeds into the river, causing further dispersal downstream. By removing Himalayan Balsam from the riverbank, we are helping to encourage native plant species to grow.
The shallow root system means that Himalayan balsam is very easy to pull out of the soil by hand. Plants can be piled into a heap and will compost down, or for individual stems can be hooked over a branch.
It’s a task anyone can get involved in and it’s certainly a case of many hands make light work!
We’ll be working with RiverCare who are keen to set up a group in Market Rasen to look after the river.
The activity will be part of a locally organised Environment Day with lots of other activities by other organisations available as well.
They’ll also be a photo competition – see below for more details about the day and how to enter.
Date – Saturday 2nd July 2022
Time – 10.00am – 1.00pm approximately
The event will be held at Market Rasen Park, 19 Jameson Bridge St, Market Rasen LN8 3EW (see the map) and is part of a local Environment Day with lots of other activities going on as well like making bug hotels and feeders.
Parking is limited at the park so it is recommended that if you are coming along to park in one of the other carparks in Market Rasen and walk down.
There is parking at the Festival Hall but please note it is pay and display. The pay and display is cash only or you can pay by mobile app. Please feel free to find alternate parking in Market Rasen and join us at Bell Park around 10am.
- Gloves (gardening will be fine)
- Suitable outdoor clothing such as waterproofs and sturdy shoes
- Bringing a drink is normally a good idea
- Medication for yourself if you require it (please notify the volunteer coordinator before the day or before the walk starts)
- Emergency contact details
- Watch the weather conditions and plan accordingly, i.e. sun cream, hat if necessary
A word about our funders
This project is funded by the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
