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Gores Brook Introduction & Balsam Removal Event
May 27 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Free
THAMES21 and Barking & Dagenham Ranger Service are embarking on a project to improve the Gores Brook through Gores Brook Park and we need your help!
Our hope for this event is to introduce ourselves to the local volunteer community, and to conduct a Himalayan Balsam removal event in the Gores Brook.
Starting from its current uncovered start point (the allotments across Hedgeman’s Road), and down through Gores Brook Park, as far down as we can get in the event time.
Himalayan Balsam is an invasive plant that damages our fragile river systems, it erodes the riverbanks, outcompeting native plants, provides poor habitat for native river species and it grows readily in wet sunny condition. Sadly, it has spread quite pervasively down many UK rivers like the Gores Brook.
But we can do something about this. It is easily pulled up from the ground and if done systematically at the right time can stop the plants from setting seed. This can reduce the plant by 90% in the first year alone, and if removed repeatedly over 2-3 years we can eliminate this environmentally damaging species from Gores Brook Park.
The Barking & Dagenham Ranger Service will be joining us for this event so come along and speak to us to find out more information about Himalayan Balsam, the Gores Brook, and what goals we hope to accomplish with help from the local community.
We will supply all the equipment you will need on the day, the only things we suggest you bring is water and something for lunch.
We will supply you with free tea, coffee & biscuits on the day.
The meeting point will be the Hedgeman’s Road entrance to Gores Brook Park. What3Words location is: tens.points.record
We will start with an introduction and a health and safety briefing.
Sign-up: To register for this event please follow this link here: https://book.plinth.org.uk/e/vFwJOkNJPt3cBfnX1iS5
What to wear on the day: Appropriate long sleeve clothing, we will be working around nettles and spikey plants, it is advisable to have a hat and wear sunscreen.
All other equipment will be provided.
Facilities: Unfortunately there are no facilities in the park, the nearest are cafes and shops about 5-10 mins walk away on Dagenham Heathway.
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.