Thirteen volunteers cleared 220 metres of invasive plant species from the Silk Stream in just one of over 20 environment-enhancing events taking place during Barnet Climate Action Month (BCAM).
The hardy bunch took on around three hours of hard graft each to remove Himalayan balsam from the waterway in Montrose Playing Fields, totalling 39 hours of volunteer work. They also collected around 12 bags of litter from the river, as well as removing a bike, trolley, strimmer and a large piece of wire mesh.
Himalayan balsam – introduced to Britain in 1839 – thrives on riverbanks, where it has a habit of choking out native plants, leading to erosion and subsequent flooding. Charity Thames 21 – working on behalf of Barnet Council and Harrow Council – is tackling the problem as part of the £6 million Action for Silk Stream project.
Action for Silk Stream is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate, helping Barnet Council achieve its target of a net zero borough by 2042.
Barnet Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change, said: “We want to make the world a better place and tackle the environmental crisis. We will work with a range of partners to make that happen.
“I’m very impressed with the work undertaken by our volunteers, who came from far and wide to help clear our stream of Himalayan balsam. Their work during the summer months will help stop flooding to nearby homes and roads when heavy rain inevitably returns.
“I’d encourage everyone to do their bit to help the environment – whether that be by recycling more, using your car less, or taking part in an event like this. Please help us tackle the climate crisis and become net zero as a borough by 2042.”
The ‘Balsam Bash’ volunteering event took place on Thursday last week and has now become a monthly occurrence. Though BCAM – which took place throughout June – is now over, you can email silkstream@thames21.org.uk to sign up for the next one.
Other events to take place during BCAM, included repair cafes, community food growing sessions, group hikes and community get-togethers. To learn more, visit: www.barnet.gov.uk/BCAM
Sign up to the Net Zero newsletter to receive news and updates on Barnet’s journey to becoming one of London’s most sustainable boroughs: https://confirmsubscription.com/h/d/29A6485BA81664B9