Help us to control this invasive non-native plant to allow native species to thrive. 

Himalayan Balsam is an Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) that spreads rapidly and reduces the biodiversity of our parks and waterways. Balsam bashing is easy to do, simply pull the plant from the base, making sure to pull the roots out. Pile the plants up and let them wilt away.

Important: do not pull the plants once they have began to seed at this will encourage the seeds to spead more!

Join us at Eddie McArdle Playing Fields to bash the balsam growing along Kikrby Brook. Later in the year we will plant native species in its place which is much more beneficial to our native wildlife.

Meet at Simonswood Ln, Liverpool L33 9UB at 10am. We will be there until 3pm but you can stay for as long or as short as you like. Bring gardening gloves if you have them but we have some spares. All ages welcome, you just need to be able to bend to pull the plants out. Dress appropriately for the weather eg hats, waterproofs, suncream. Long sleeves and trousers are recommended to avoid getting stung by nettles.

This is part of our biodiversity and habitat improvements works in Kirkby, as part of the construction of the new train station at Headbolt Lane.