Our contractors, Gary and Reg came back on 26 May 2026 with strimmers to cut back the emerging Himalayan Balsam plants and nettles along Bourn Brook.
They did a great job, (starting at 5:45 am to beat the worst of the heat) on a blisteringly hot day when the temperatures reached 35C in the shade….
Trumpington Farm company had also helped by using their mower a few days earlier, so this minimised the amount they had to do beside the meadow on the South bank. That, in turn meant that they had time to cut back some of the balsam and nettles in the wood on the north bank too. This will make it much easier for volunteers to deal with the remaining balsam plants..
In the wood, there are a few plants that will probably need to be plucked out by hand before they re-sprout . (This is because some were cut above the first node .. If they’re cut below the first node they’ll die). However the Himalayan Balsam plants are now much easier to see, so this should be a relatively simple and pleasant task.
On the south bank, its worth looking out for the occasional clump of stumpy Himalayan Balsam plants, emerging after the mowing..
We’re planning the first working party on Sunday 5 July. Do let us know if you’d like to help. (Please note that this is private land, so access is only by arrangement with Trumpington Farm Company)
If you would like to help by spending a few hours pulling Himalayan Balsam in this beautiful spot this summer, do signup here, or email us on info@camvalleyforum.uk