Summary 2017

Our first session was in mid-May at which time balsam was already growing quite strongly. I'd guess that it was a couple of weeks ahead compared to 2016. A dry Spring resulted in low river levels so we were able to wade safely from the start of the season. Although weather in July and August was much wetter, we managed to get out most weeks while avoiding the rain.

This year we reached new areas in difficult to access places along Glebeland, above the measuring station weir behind Mill Lane and on the river bank opposite Bridge House. Areas previously cleared were generally better than last year though balsam is yet not completely eradicated.

We spent 90 hours of volunteer effort this year, slightly less than last year though we were able to cover a bigger area. We didn't make use of any external volunteer groups as there weren't many areas where balsam was so dense it needed a concerted effort from a large group of people. We did get help from Neil of AIWF and Claire from BART which was much appreciated.

We also did a litter clear removing a large amount of rubbish from the river.