Ock Path Tesco End - Saturday 13th July 2024

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Blog by Eleanor, photos by Sally, Ursula and Julio

Fourteen of us gathered for our Himalayan Balsam pulling session along the Ock. We had better luck with the weather than the previous Saturday, in Marcham. Though mostly cloudy, it was at least dry. As usual on this path there was litter picking to be done as well. Being close to Tesco, people think it is fine to buy food and drink and discard the packaging and cans as they go. However, several passers-by were appreciative of our work.

Most of us set off along the path to New Cut Mill, where most of the balsam was growing. The path had become narrow and overgrown in places, so Sally had brought her scythe to cut back reeds and nettles.

Sally with her scythe

 
Snails on a reed

The others plunged into the wooded area, braving the nettles, or crossed the ditch to the edge of the farmer's field to attack the Himalayan Balsam.

Into the woods

We worked hard until our tea break.

Some of us found a convenient fallen tree trunk to sit on.

After the break, we proceeded further upriver, where a lot of balsam was growing along the banks. There was also some in the other direction towards the houses, but that was a job for just two people. We had to take care along the riverbank, as it was hard to see the edge. Soon the balsam would be forming seed pods and it was important to get it pulled up before that.

James gets stuck in!



Hard at it

We did a pretty good job before it was time to pack up. However, we could see plenty on the other side. Next Summer, maybe?

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