Our Himalayan balsam programme continues into the next important phase, with four volunteer sessions planned over the coming weeks.
After months of tackling new sites and expanding the areas we’ve cleared, we’re now moving firmly into maintenance mode.
This means revisiting areas we’ve already worked on, finding any remaining or late-emerging plants and removing them before they have a chance to set seed.
This follow-up work is crucial. Himalayan balsam can produce large quantities of seed, and simply clearing an area once isn’t enough. By returning to sites throughout the season, we can reduce the number of plants reaching maturity and gradually reduce the seed bank.
A huge thank you to everyone who has helped us throughout the season. The hard work, often in some pretty challenging weather, has made a huge difference. Now we need to make sure that progress isn’t lost.
Upcoming Volunteer Sessions
🌿 Thursday 27 August – Cloonagh
Meet at ATU Sligo at 6:00pm or Jordan’s Bar Car Park at 6:30pm.
Finish approximately 9:00pm.
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/himalayan-balsam-bash-cloonagh-tickets-1998924818943
🌿 Saturday 29 August – Rathcormac
Meet directly at Rathcormac Cemetery at 10:00am.
Finish approximately 1:00pm.
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/himalayan-balsam-bash-rathcormac-tickets-1998925413722
🌿 Monday 31 August – Glenade / Magheramore
Meet at ATU Sligo at 6:00pm or Magheramore at 6:30pm.
Finish approximately 9:00pm.
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/evening-himalayan-balsam-bash-glenade-magheramore-tickets-1998925477914
🌿 Saturday 5 September – Cloonagh
Meet at ATU Sligo at 9:30am or Jordan’s Bar Car Park at 10:00am.
Finish approximately 1:00pm.
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/himalayan-balsam-bash-cloonagh-maintenance-session-tickets-1998926603280
What to Bring
Volunteers should wear sturdy footwear or wellington boots, long trousers and suitable outdoor clothing.
Please bring waterproofs if rain is forecast. If we’re lucky enough to get some sunshine, remember your sun cream, hat and plenty of drinking water.
All equipment is provided and no previous experience is required.
And, of course, we’ll have our usual hot and cold drinks and biscuits available for volunteers. ☕🍪
Weather Updates
Please check the relevant Eventbrite event page and your emails before travelling. Weather and site conditions can change, and sessions may occasionally need to be amended or cancelled if conditions become unsuitable.
Thank you once again to all our volunteers for the incredible work you’ve put in this year. We’re now at the stage where the focus is on protecting everything we’ve achieved and keeping these sites clear through to the first frost.
Every plant removed now makes next year’s job a little easier.