Informal survey of Frome Valley Walkway from Frampton Cotterell to Yate - 29 June 2016

A long stroll from St Peters Church, along the Frome Valley Walkway (FVW) up to Yate to check for Himalayan balsam along the way.

River Frome near stables north of Hover's Lane

I found balsam growing on the banksides in several places.  It enjoys unshaded stretches with sloping banks.  It takes hold on any nearby flat area which floods.  In heavily shaded areas with a good overhead canopy and/or stretches of the river with fast running water and steep banks with thick vegetation it is less common.

In several places the FVW takes the walker away from the river itself.   Near Algars Manor; and the long stretch from just beyond Tubbs Bottom Bridge to Nibley will only be accessible from the river itself, requiring a canoe or waders!    In some areas access to the river is restricted due to fencing (e.g. near the stables north of Hovers Lane) or natural obstacles and dense vegetation.  

There is significant growth in the following locations :-

Large stand just off FVW between Hope Lane and Yate Road

Field bordering on FVW just west of Algar's Manor

FVW between Hope lane and Yate Rd

FVW near railway crossing by before Celestine Rd

Further photos and locations can be found by viewing the map on the right. Red markers indicate spots with noticeable HB growth.

See below for album of photos taken on walk.