Big Balsam Bash | Protect Our Riverbanks

The local community is key in the fight against Himalayan Balsam.

The information below will show existing groups how to get involved and also how anyone interested in starting a new group or running an event what to do.

Existing Groups

To get involved in the UK wide "Big Balsam Bash" follow these steps:

Identify any areas where you have Himalayan Balsam
Ideally, map these on INNS Mapper
Come up with a strategy of where to start removing Himalayan Balsam using the "What can be done" page
Seek permission from the landowner (eg Local Authority)
Use our pack in the "Resources" section to produce risk assessments etc.
Advertise the event on posters in your greenspace or on Facebook etc.
Add any events onto our events page by filling in this "form"
Tell us about your results by filling in this "Feedback form" form so we can celebrate everyone's efforts

New Groups

To get involved in the UK wide "Big Balsam Bash" follow these steps:

Come up with a date and time of an event
Write a letter to your neighbours (use our template) to ask them to help you
Start an online group for your greenspace. Many groups call themselves "Friends of . . . " groups.
See Groundworks guide for setting up a new group
Use our "template poster" to tell people it's ok to pull Himalayan Balsam.
Use our "event pack" to help you plan your event
Balsam Bash adjacent to main paths and tell people what you're doing as you work
Consider wearing Hi-Vis vests so people feel more confident asking questions.
Register you event on our events page by filling in this "form"
Seek the landowners permission.
Ask people to pick just 10 Himalayan Balsam plants on a dog walk which saves 3000 seeds next year.
Choose target areas so people know which area to work
Use our "how-to guide" for other ideas on where to work
We have to write this - Consider public insurance - many of us started without it. It can cost £100 per year.
Get out and start making a difference! Spread the word. The more people we have the more we can Bash The Balsam!