A WORKING party at Sampford Courtenay is calling on volunteers to help with the annual Himalayan Balsam clearance on Saturday, July 1, at 10am.

The group will meet in the rear car park of the New Inn at Sampford Courtenay and hope to clear as much of the river bank as possible between the New Inn and Frankland Bridge at Honeychurch.

Volunteers are asked to wear suitable clothing, footwear and gloves.

They are also advised to read the full Risk Assessment prior to the event - this can be found at: https://www.sampfordcourtenay-pc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/2022-05/himalayan-balsam-risk-assessment-22docx-2077633191.pdf .

Himalayan Balsam, originally from Asia, is attracted to damp areas particularly riverbanks where it grows in clusters reaching heights of 10 feet (three metres).

It is an attractive plant but its spread needs to be controlled to protect native plants and the environment.

All volunteers are welcome to help.

For more information telephone the parish clerk at Sampford Courtenay on 01837 82285 or email: [email protected]  .

Nora Parminter