A good day for wading

With water levels low and the temperature soaring it was a good day to wade across the river so five of us headed up the Frome Valley Walkway from St Peter's Church. Just beyond the Centenary Field a trodden path leads down to the river and a spot on the far bank where a clump of balsam was in full flower.

Donning wellies and waders we crossed the river which was relatively shallow and cleared this clump before heading upstream towards Black Rocks clearing balsam as we went.

At Black Rocks itself there were a few odd balsam plants to be seen unlike last year when this area was badly infested. This year there were pleasing signs of native wildflowers, including meadowsweet and purple loosestrife which were flourishing without the competition from the balsam.

Meadowsweet

Purple Loosestrife

Continuing upstream we worked along the far riverbank clearing balsam from amongst the undergrowth and up to the edge of the field beyond. We were hoping to clear all the way up to the metal footbridge at Cogmill but it was a little slower going than anticipated. However we cleared a huge amount and another visit should clear the rest.

We also saw some interesting wildlife including a glimpse of a kingfisher as it flashed up the river and this stunning damselfly which was a little more cooperative for the camera.

Nightingale Bridge

Nightingale Bridge is an ancient stone bridge used now as a footbridge for crossing the Frome between Frampton Cotterell and Watley's End.  It was nice to meet and talk to dog walkers there who make their own contribution to eradicating balsam while out with their pets and also to speak to some schoolchildren on their way home from school and to explain to them what we were doing to help the environment.

Balsam is now growing strongly and is producing its distinctive pink flowers. This at least makes it easier to spot amongst the other plants on the river bank. Once you've spotted one, there's almost certainly going to be others nearby.

Balsam was growing strongly on both sides of the river by the bridge and we were able to clear some large patches. We also cleared the footpath alongside the field next to the bridge. The path itself is barely visible as many people choose to walk across the field at this point rather than follow the footpath around the edge.

The balsam is often found amongst nettles which are a favourite food source of the caterpillars of the peacock butterfly. At this time of year these can be seen in large colonies which we try not to disturb as we cut our way through to reach clumps of balsam.

Peacock butterfly caterpillars

Along the river bed from Church Rd to Bridge House

Some of the balsam near the river bed along this stretch was getting very tall and flowers were beginning to develop so we decided to see whether river levels had dropped enough to enable us to wade or whether we could hack our way down through the undergrowth.

Fortunately we were able to wade as the dense undergrowth and steep sides made access from the top of the bank quite difficult in places.

Our intrepid team worked along the river bed from Church Road bridge clearing some large clumps and some of the largest plants we've encountered so far this year.

The river was still a bit too deep in places to wade safely but we returned to the river at Parsonage Bridge and cleared many more plants there.

A very successful and satisfying afternoon!