Elmbridge Meadows Community River Day in London Rivers Week

Tag: Balsam

Elmbridge Meadows Community River Day in London Rivers Week

Join us on Sunday 23rd June for a day of river-themed family fun to start London Rivers Week!

Come and learn more about the Elmbridge Meadows river restoration project at the SERT information stall or take part in one of our activities which include guided walks, balsam bashing and crafts.

The guided walk will depart at 11am and will last 1-1.5hrs, covering a distance of 1.5 miles.

The balsam bash activity will begin at 1:30pm, finishing at 2:45pm.

There is no need to book for any of the activities, just come along on the day. Light refreshments will be available. 

Our stall will be set up at the entrance to Elmbridge Meadows, just off the roundabout at Elmbridge Avenue, and Raeburn Avenue. Nearest postcode: KT5 8EN. Google map HERE 

Balsam Bashing:

Balsam is an invasive plants that causes big problems for rivers up and down the country. The balsam bashing activity can be done from the banks or in the water, wearing waders. The activity will be supervised by SERT staff and we will provide all the equipment you will need. The balsam bash activity is suitable for under 16s if they are accompanied by an adult. 16-18 year olds will need to be accompanied or have written parental consent to take part (please email volunteering@staging.southeastriverstrust.org for more info). No under 14s will be able to enter the water.

Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear (wellies or hiking boots) if you would like to take part a guided walk or balsam bashing.

Please note that there are no toilets on site.

The event is one of about 60 taking place during London Rivers Week 2024, which has the theme of London is a river city.

To read our Health and Safety Guidelines for the balsam bash that will take place during the open day, please click HERE.

Photos and video footage will be taken at this event and used by the Trust for promotional purposes (including but not limited to printed materials, social media, newsletters and the website) and potentially shared with our external partners and funders. From time to time, external media agencies could also take photos, film or record our events.

The Trust’s lawful basis for processing this is “Legitimate Interests” under the General Data Protection Regulations. As an individual you have rights. If you wish for SERT to stop processing this data for you, please talk to a member of staff or email info@staging.southeastriverstrust.org.

To read our Privacy Policy and see how we use and look after the information you provide when booking your spot at our events please click HERE.

Elmbridge Meadows Balsam Bash – Hogsmill River

Activity Description: Join us at Elmbridge Meadows to help remove the invasive plant, Himalayan balsam.

Himalayan balsam is a big problem for river banks up and down the country. In addition to competition for pollinators, native plants must also compete for light, nutrients and space, leading to an overall reduction in biodiversity. Moreover, the fact that the balsam dies back in the winter means that it leaves river banks bare and susceptible to erosion, and the dead leaves and stems can also cause blockages, which lead to flooding.

What’s more, each plant can produce up to 800 seeds per year – and one plant can propel copious amounts of that seed a distance of up to seven metres. This seed can spread considerably further if carried by the river, making it certain – if unchecked – to be more widespread year on year.

Meeting point: Meet at the entrance to Elmbridge Meadows Green Space, just off Raeburn Ave, Surbiton, KT5 8EN. Google map HERE

What to bring: Please wear appropriate clothes and footwear. If it is hot, please bring a hat and suncream. There will be options to work from the bank or in the water in waders. We will provide tea, coffee and biscuits but please bring a bottle of water and a packed lunch.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL – please rsvp using the button below and complete the form to secure your spot. If the event is already fully booked then please sign yourself up to the waiting list and we’ll be in touch if a space becomes available.

Booking for this event will close at 5pm on Tuesday 2nd July.

Please email volunteering@staging.southeastriverstrust.org to:

  • Find out more information,
  • Cancel your space if you can no longer make it.

To read our Health and Safety Guidelines for this event please click HERE.

Photos and video footage will be taken at this event and used by the Trust for promotional purposes (including but not limited to printed materials, social media, newsletters and the website) and potentially shared with our external partners and funders. From time to time, external media agencies could also take photos, film or record our events.

The Trust’s lawful basis for processing this is “Legitimate Interests” under the General Data Protection Regulations. As an individual you have rights. If you wish for SERT to stop processing this data for you, please talk to a member of staff or email info@staging.southeastriverstrust.org.

To read our Privacy Policy and see how we use and look after the information you provide when booking your spot at our events please click HERE.