Activity Description: Volunteer with us at Puddenhole and Castlefields in Dorking to help remove the invasive plant, Himalayan balsam, from the top of the banks of the River Mole.

Himalayan balsam is a big problem for river banks up and down the country. In addition to bringing competition for pollinators, this non-native invasive plant competes with native plants 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 on the fields down from the south side of Reigate Road A25, along from Hillier Garden Centre, Brockham, Dorking RH4 1NP, just over Deepdene Bridge, look out for the SERT Flag. Google map HERE

What to bring: Please wear appropriate clothes, long trousers and long sleeves and appropriate footwear. If it is hot, please bring a hat and sun cream. We will be only working from the banks of the river. 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 Sunday 30th June 2024.

Please email volunteering@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@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.