Help tackle Himalayan Balsam where you live
Communities across West Cumbria are coming together to take on one of the UK’s most widespread invasive plants, Himalayan balsam. This fast spreading species dominates riverbanks and wetlands, pushing out native plants, reducing biodiversity and leaving bare soil behind in winter. The result can be increased erosion, poorer water quality and damage to important habitats for fish and wildlife.
At West Cumbria Rivers Trust, we are working towards a long term goal to reduce and ultimately eradicate Himalayan balsam across the whole catchment. It’s an ambitious task, but one that becomes achievable when local people lead the way.
A smarter, catchment approach
Rather than tackling balsam in isolated spots, we encourage a coordinated, catchment wide approach. This means starting upstream, where the plant first establishes, and then working downstream.
You can think of it like sweeping the stairs. By dealing with the source first, you prevent seeds from washing down and undoing your hard work. This approach saves time, makes efforts more effective and leads to lasting change.
Himalayan Balsam
Why it matters
Himalayan balsam may look attractive, but its impact on nature is significant:
it outcompetes native plants, reducing biodiversity
it dies back in winter, leaving riverbanks exposed
this increases soil erosion and affects water quality
it damages habitats that wildlife depends on
By tackling balsam together, we can restore healthier rivers and create better conditions for wildlife to thrive.
Get involved
Join a group
There are a number of independent, community led groups working across West Cumbria to manage Himalayan balsam. The information below is provided to help you explore what activity is taking place in your area.
All groups and activities are independent of WCRT. WCRT is committed to training and assisting community groups to tackle Himalayan Balsam in their own patch. WCRT can advise on risk assessments, landowner permissions and insurance to aid organisers in ensuring they have all the necessary paperwork where required.
Melbreak Communities working in the Lorton and and Loweswater Catchments
Contact: Debbie Watson
Email: Beech.lane35[at]yahoo.co.ukMeeting on every Monday
Ullock Community working on the Marron
Contact: TBC - check back for updates
Email: TBCMeeting TBC
U3A Cockermouth working at Simonscales, Cockermouth
Contact: Phil Campbell
Email: geranuk100[at]aol.com
Meeting on every Tuesday afternoonNational Trust balsam bashes in Great Wood, Keswick
Contact: Caroline Mercer
Email: caroline.mercer[at]nationaltrust.org.uk
Meeting on the following dates:
Tue 16 June; Wed 15 July; Thu 6 August
If you would like us to include your group here, please get in touch.
Set up a new group
In some areas of the catchment, there is currently little or no coordinated effort to manage Himalayan balsam. These are the places where action is most urgently needed.
We are looking for people who can help bring others together and organise local efforts. Without local coordination, balsam continues to spread and can quickly reinvade areas where work has already been carried out.
If you are able to take this on in your area, we can provide guidance, resources and support to help you get started.
This may include:
Information on best practice for Himalayan balsam management
Training opportunities for volunteers
A practical toolkit to support planning and delivery
Guidance on seeking landowner permission
Support to help identify priority areas
Any group or activity established would be independent. Organisers are responsible for ensuring appropriate permissions, risk assessments and insurance are in place.
If you’d like to ask us any queries, please get in touch.
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