All equipment will be provided but please wear long sleeves (to stop nettle stings), sturdy shoes and bring waterproofs. We will bring the tea, coffee and biscuits! We offer volunteer expenses for public transport and vehicle mileage.

We will be removing Himalayan Balsam – an invasive, non-native species – from the river bank. This plant has shallow roots which erode the soil on river-banks, and ‘exploding’ seeds which allow it to spread and colonise wide areas, preventing the growth of other plants. We will be hand-pulling the plants, which are easily removed from the soil, before they form new seeds and safely disposing of them.

Meeting point: Meet at the entrance to the footpath on St Mary’s Bridge, next to the VW garage. Free parking is available across the road at the Three Horseshoes pub.