1.7 million invasive balsam plants cleared from Cumbria rivers

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Eden Rivers Trust removed 1.7 million Himalayan balsam plants from the Eden river catchment area in its 2026 campaign.

Eden Rivers Trust, a conservation charity in Cumbria, has completed its 2026 Balsam Bashing season with the removal of 1.7 million Himalayan balsam plants from the Eden river catchment area. Himalayan balsam is a non-native species known for its pink flowers that spreads rapidly, crowding out native plants and destabilising riverbanks.

Residents and volunteers took part in Balsam Bashing events across numerous locations including Daleraven, Cummersdale, Caldew, Great Salkeld, Stainton and Hunsonby. Additional efforts took place at Heads Nook, Engine Lonning, Thackthwaite, Wetheral and Warcop, with further support from Bank Holiday events in Branthwaite and Dalston.

Jenni Payne, invasive species officer at Eden Rivers Trust, said the 2026 campaign concentrated much of its effort on upstream locations, 'targeting the source of waterways, helping to reduce the transportation of seeds by our streams and rivers'. She noted that 'the figures prove one again that our Eden's communities and our amazing team of volunteers are up for the challenge'.

Eden Rivers Trust is already planning its 2027 campaign and is encouraging the public to help by reporting sightings of Himalayan balsam using the free INNS Mapper phone app or by volunteering for next year's balsam bashing events.

How it is being reported

• Over one million invasive Himalayan balsam plants cleared from Cumbria riverbanksMore than one million invasive plants have been cleared from riverbanks in a major environmental effort.News & Star · 23 Oct, 05:00
• Over one million invasive Himalayan balsam plants cleared from Cumbria riverbanksMore than one million invasive plants have been cleared from riverbanks in a major environmental effort.Whitehaven News · 23 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Eden Rivers Trust · Cumbria · Eden river · Jenni Payne

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