The Source to Sea project fights invasive species on our beautiful River Avon and its tributaries. If you'd like to join our army of volunteers contact sourcetosea@wiltshirewildlife.org or phone (01380) 736066.

You can follow what we do on our volunteering sessions by following us on Twitter @wiltsrivers

Our latest Wiltshire balsam bashing dates and locations are:

Date Day River Location
7 June Tuesday Nadder Tisbury
14 June Tuesday Avon Durrington
21 June Tuesday Nadder Burcombe
28 June Tuesday Nadder Quidhampton
5 July Tuesday Avon Durrington
12 July Tuesday Nadder  Tisbury
19 July Tuesday Avon Durrington
26 July Tuesday Nadder Wilton
2 August Tuesday Nadder Burcombe
9 August Tuesday Nadder Quidhampton
16 August Tuesday Nadder Tisbury
23 August Tuesday Nadder Burcombe
30 August Tuesday Nadder Quidhampton

What will I be doing?

  • Handpulling Himalayan and orange balsam by the roots from the riverbanks.

Why are we doing this?

  • Himalayan and orange balsam are invasice non-native species, which grow prolifically on our river banks;
  • They out compete native species;
  • When they die back over winter, they leave the riverbanks susceptible to erosion.

What do I need to wear/bring?

  • Wear long sleeved tops and trousers to protect from brambles and nettles
  • Sturdy footwear
  • Waterproofs, sunhats - be prepared for all weather conditions!
  • Packed lunch and water

What do we provide?

  • All relevant safety clothing - waders, life jeckets, wading poles etc
  • Tea, coffee and biscuits
  • An opportunity to visit some beautiful river locations not usually open to the public
  • Species ID skills