7th Wilmslow Guides took part in balsam bashing at the Carrs on Tuesday, 3rd June, as part of their work to help out with community projects.
Emma Rayers, said "We were told by Sally, the Invasives Project Officer, that Himalayan Balsam is an alien species that has actually been living in England for over 100 years.
"We then proceeded to go 'balsam bashing', which involved pulling up the plants which were recognised by their distinctive oval shaped leaf and water-filled stems. They came up surprisingly easily! Also, we saw the difference we had made by pulling up the balsam last year, there was almost none left! This made it seem a lot more worthwhile, as we could see the progress."
After about 45 minutes of pulling up the plants, the Guides took a break for some games. Splitting into two teams, they then competed to find the tallest balsam and collect the most balsam.
During the evening they collected three large piles of balsam, which all the Guides had fun jumping on.
Emma added "We all had a great night, and enjoyed doing something outdoors, especially as it wasn't raining."
