River Cray - Balsam Blitz & Vegetation Maintenance

Join us again to help eradicate Himalayan Balsam from the River Cray for now and the future!

Thames21 have been laying the ground work to eradicate the invasive species Himalayan Balsam from the River Cray. Himalayan Balsam, an invasive plant that damages our fragile river systems, erodes the riverbanks, outcompeting native plants and grows readily in wet conditions. Sadly, it has spread quite pervasively down many UK rivers like the Cray in Bexley.

This is the second part of our Cray River wades. We will meet at the Mill Pond in Old Bexley, DA5 1JX where we will spend a short time managing the overgrown vegetation in the pond which is slowing the flow of the river. After a refreshment break we will cross over the road and enter the River Cray where we will wade and pull up the Himalayan Balsam from its root ball and remove it. We will continue the wade for a while and then turn around and wade back to Mill Pond.

Thames21 will supply all the equipment you need on the day. Please specifiy your wader size at registration.

You will need to have a good general level of fitness to wade along the river. This event is open to everyone except small children due to the nature of the risks associated with wading down a river. Children over 10 should be always accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Meeting point:

Mill Pond, Old Bexley https://maps.app.goo.gl/f6oxGGPGaQfQxDtn6

What to bring on the day: Appropriate long sleeve clothing as we will be working around nettles and spikey plants, please bring water. It is advisable to have a hat and wear sunscreen. All other equipment will be provided.

Facilities on the day: Toilets are available in the train station or local cafes or pub. Refreshments will be provided on the day to all volunteers.

If you have any questions about this event or wish to know more, please email the event leader Sam at samantha.dhedhi@Thames21.org.uk

This is an event designed for the community, to engage the local public with the river and not for corporates. If you are interested in a bespoke corporate volunteer day. Please visit our website https://www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporatevolunteer