Location: River Pool, Bell Green, Sydenham (View Map)

Saturday, 5th June, 2010 14:00pm

Until: Saturday, 5th June, 2010 16:00pm

Join Thames21 to help remove the invasive plant Himilayan Balsam and pick up litter in the River Quaggy as part of the 3 Rivers Clean-up campaign.

MEETING POINT: end of Winsford Road, at entrance to park
TRANSPORT: Lower Sydenham Station

Safety boots and gloves will be provided. Please wear clothing appropriate to the weather and that you don't mind getting dirty.

NOTE: If you have restricted mobility please contact us prior to the event.

For more information, get in touch with Abby Kelly on 020 7213 0167 or 07827 240457, or email abigail.kelly@thames21.org.uk

3 Rivers Clean-up is a collaboration between a number of key organisations to deliver an exciting programme of volunteering opportunities throughout the Ravensbourne river system; the rivers Ravensbourne, Pool and Quaggy which flow though the South East London boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich and Bromley. The volunteering opportunities will be taking place during the first two weeks in June.

The project aims to remove as much Himalayan Balsam as possible in this area as well as carrying out litter picks along the river banks. Himalayan Balsam is an invasive plant species that was introduced into Britain in 1839 as an ornamental garden plant due to its attractive pink flowers! However it escaped from gardens and quickly started to grow along our riverbanks – where it thrives on the damp ground. As Himalayan Balsam is not a native plant it changes the natural characteristics of the riverside vegetation, which has further impacts on the wildlife in the area. By focusing on removing this invasive species we aim to improve the biodiversity along the rivers which will assist their rehabilitation.

Event activities will include learning how to identify Himalayan Basalm and then getting stuck in and removing the plants! Whilst doing this activity we will also be removing any litter that we come across – so that the result will be a much cleaner Ravensbourne catchment. Volunteers might even get to wear waders!