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.

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.

Bexley Cricket Club have very kindly agreed to help by letting us use their toilet facilities on the day so there will be somewhere to have a comfort break.

They have also very kindly arranged with the adjoining fishing club and landowners to help facilitate the day by provide a place to rest and take lunch.

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.

Sign up to this event by registering on the website Plinth link here: https://book.plinth.org.uk/e/i0JY9SORp1q0JstoVRTF

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: Is at the bottom of Water Lane, Bexley DA14 you will find a bridge across the river, Foot Path 145. This is the meeting point. You will see a Thames21 van at this point.

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 and wear sunscreen. All other equipment will be provided.

Facilities on the day: Bexley Cricket Club have kindly agreed to allow use of their toilet facilities on the day, and somewhere to stop and take a lunch break along the route.

Refreshments will be provided on the day to all volunteers.

What3Words location: alien.this.quest

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/