Cray River – Balsam Blitz

Its that time again… Spring has fully sprung and we have work to do.

Thames21 have for 2 years been laying the ground work to eradicate the invasive species Himalayan Balsam from the River Cray.

Himalayan Balsam, an invasive plant that damages our fragile river systems, it erodes the riverbanks, outcompeting native plants and grows readily in wet condition. Sadly, it has spread quite pervasively down many UK rivers like the Cray in Bexley.

But worry not good citizens, we are back for 2024, with an even larger systematic series of events designed to cover the same riparian areas multiple times this season, denying the Balsam time to flower this year, if done correctly this can stop up to 90% of the plants returning next year.

Join us for the 3rd year running and help us eradicate Himalayan Balsam from the River Cray for the future.

This is a historically well attended event and is a wonderful walk in the river seeing the Cray from a unique perspective.

This walk is from Old Bexley Village to the Dartfordians Rugby Club which the Cray meets the river Shuttle and back.

We will supply all the equipment you will need on the day, and the only thing you need to bring is water and a lunch for yourself. We will supply you with free tea, coffee & biscuits on the day.

This event is open to everyone except small children due to the nature of the risks associated with wading down a river. Children over 10 should be always accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Please register for this event on the website Plinth, link here: https://book.plinth.org.uk/e/m2F8e62NkwUwurdy4diJ

If you have any questions about this event or wish to know more, please email the event leader Michael O’Neill at Michael.oneill@Thames21.org.uk and he will be happy to assist you.

Meeting point for this event: Is the Bexley High Street Car Park the post code is DA5 1JT – This is the larger car park near the high street (not the small car park outside the station). What3words location is mops.cube.wisely

What to bring on the day: Appropriate long sleeve clothing as we will be working around nettles and spikey plants, please bring water and a lunch. It is advisable to have a hat a wear sunscreen. All other equipment will be provided.

Facilities on the day: Toilets are available in the train station or local cafes or pub. Refreshments will be provided on the day to all volunteers.

This is an event designed for the community, to engage the local public with the river and not for corporates. If you are interested in a bespoke corporate volunteer day, please visit our website https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporatevolunteering/