Recovering our Rivers: practical activities

Organisation  

Wye Valley National Landscape – Wye invasive species project (WISP) 

Balsam Action Toolkit - Wye Valley AONB (wyevalley-nl.org.uk) 

Action  

Himalayan Balsam is one of the invasive non-native species which has overtaken many waterways throughout the UK river system. The river Wye is in an unfavourable condition and this is exacerbated by the presence of at least three non-native invasive species. To manage Himalayan balsam, the National Landscape’s WISP project is undertaking large scale events to reduce the population with the aim of removing it from the ecosystem. This species is particularly persistent and therefore requires extensive management. This is done using the following:  

• Identify – It is found in and around riverbanks, woodland and damp habitat. It is pink with trumpet shaped wide petals. Full ID guides can be found in the toolkit.  

• Bashing - If you are pulling the flowers during early flowering season. First gently bend the flower and seed heads into a sturdy plastic bag and break them off into the bag. Keep bagged flowers and seeds on site to rot down for at least three years. It is illegal to take them off site except to a licensed controlled waste facility. The roots are rarely more than a few centimetres deep. Grasp the stem and lift the roots out with a gentle tug. If the stem snaps above the bottom node try again! Snap the stem of the pulled up plant between the root and the bottom node. 

• Planning - Getting a group together in advance to ensure the repeated bashing takes place. Make sure risk assessment is in place, ensuring special commendation for working near water. Always go in pairs or groups. Always follow – Check, Dry, Clean.  

• Mapping - Ensure to map the area where you have bashed, and monitor regrowth and management. What3Words, OS maps. GIS. Report to the Local Environmental Record Centre (LERC).  

Location 

Lower Wye Valley National Landscape is the target area of the project but the management can be implemented throughout the UK.  

Level of commitment 

No commitment. Management recommended annually  

Training required  

No formal training required but it is advised to join a Balsam bashing event  

WISP Toolkit Files 2023 Setup.indd (wyevalley-nl.org.uk)  

Kit needed / provided 

All necessary kit is recommended within the Balsam Action Toolkit, none is provided 

Outcome 

The overall aim of the project will be to remove the invasive balsam from the river Wye and reduce the spread of it throughout the Wye catchment. Through signing up or beginning an event you can recruit your local community and volunteers to work together to increase the success rate of the balsam bashing. 

Organisation:  

Paddle UK  The Big Paddle Cleanup 2024 - Clear Access Clear Waters 

Action: 

You can take part in or organise a paddle cleanup to clear your local waterways of rubbish and plastic pollution. Check the website for when The Big Paddle Cleanup is taking place. 

Location: 

Any watercourse within the UK. 

Level of commitment: 

Low if you are joining an existing group, you can spend as much time collecting litter as you like. The level of commitment may be higher if you are the one organising a paddle cleanup, as you will need to organise people (i.e. timings, date etc.) and equipment. There are resources available on the event website to help you advertise the event. 

Training required: 

None – you just need to be able to collect litter, either from on the water or from the bank.   

Kit needed: 

Gloves, bags and hand sanitisers are essential, and litter pickers are helpful. Paddle UK can sometimes supply cleanup kits – check the website.   

Outcome: 

Clean up rubbish from the waterways to improve it for wildlife and people and help to raise awareness of the issue. 

Organisation 

Hereford Yazor Brook Restoration Project and Herefordshire Wildlife Trust City Branch 

https://www.herefordshirewt.org/loveyourriver 

Action  

Voluntary work to help protect and improve the environment of the Yazor Brook making it a watercourse that flows naturally, causes fewer problems when it floods, and supports more wildlife. The group undertake practical river restoration work, litter picking, pollution monitoring, tree planting and wildlife surveys such as the Riverfly Monitoring. 

Location 

Hereford city, along the Yazor Brook, Widemarsh Brook and the Eign Brook until the confluence with the River Wye. 

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewermid=13B7xhNAG7MaGG1fxuxXAg8HsJQDHAjzr&ll=52.06240248744437%2C-2.714377461287081&z=14 

Level of commitment 

The group meet most Fridays and undertake practical work along the brook. There is no definite commitment for volunteers to be present every week, just when they are able. 

Training required  

No training required other than signing up as a Herefordshire Wildlife Trust volunteer with Felicity Kienstra. Sometimes specific training for safety and skills is offered. Everyone has different practical skills and knowledge to offer, so there are many ways of helping.  

Kit needed / provided 

Boots and clothing appropriate to the weather. All other tools and gloves available for those starting to volunteer with HYBRP 

Outcome 

Provision of an important refuge for wildlife in the heart of the City and a valuable natural space for everyone to enjoy.