Big Chevin Balsam Bash: June 2026!

This summer we will be getting together to tackle the Himalayan Balsam growing across Chevin Forest Park. Himalayan Balsam is an invasive species that grows quickly and shades out other ground vegetation; by removing the plant each year, we hope to stop it spreading further across the site.

On Sunday 14th June from 10 am until 1 pm we’ll be hosting a Big Chevin Balsam Bash! We’ll meet at the Lower Shawfield Car Park and tackle the balsam growing in the surrounding areas.

If you’d like to familiarise yourself with the plant before coming along, there’s a good identification sheet at this link, but we will also show you on the day.

Everyone is welcome to join us but under 16s should be accompanied by an adult. Please bring your own gardening gloves if you have them but we will also have spare pairs for people to use. We recommend wearing trousers and long sleeved top as there are nettles growing in the areas we will be working.

Bring plenty of water to drink as it may be hot! We will pop to the Mistal Kitchen for a coffee afterwards – all are welcome!