Volunteer Opportunity: Balsam Bash – Help Save the River Nene

About the Opportunity

Do you enjoy being outdoors and want to do something that genuinely helps your local area? The Balsam Bash is a hands-on volunteering opportunity where you’ll help protect the River Nene and the wildlife that depends on it.

This is a great option if you need volunteer hours for Duke of Edinburgh (DofE), want to boost your CV, or simply want to get outside and make a difference alongside other young people.

Why This Matters

The River Nene is being taken over by Himalayan Balsam, an invasive plant that spreads quickly along riverbanks. Although it has bright pink flowers, it causes real damage by pushing out native plants, weakening riverbanks, and harming wildlife habitats.

Removing it now helps protect the river for the future.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll be working with the Peterborough & District Angling Association and Nene Park Trust to clear Himalayan Balsam from riverbanks. This will involve:

• Pulling plants up by the roots (they’re shallow and surprisingly easy to remove)

• Helping native plants grow back in cleared areas

• Working together as a team to clear sections of the riverbank

• Spending time outdoors doing something active and meaningful

What You’ll Get Out of It

• A real sense of achievement as you see the riverbanks clear

• Practical conservation experience you can add to your CV or DofE

• Fresh air, movement, and time outside in a beautiful setting

• A friendly, social environment where you can meet new people

• The knowledge that your time has made a genuine difference

Who This Is For

This opportunity is ideal for anyone who:

• Enjoys being outdoors and doesn’t mind getting a bit muddy

• Wants to help protect nature and wildlife

• Likes working as part of a team

• Is motivated and willing to get involved

No experience needed — just enthusiasm and a positive attitude.

Practical Details

•  Physical activity is involved

• Under 16s may need parental consent or adult support

• Full guidance and health & safety information will be provided on the day

What to Bring

• Sturdy footwear (boots or wellies recommended, weather depending)

• Long trousers and long sleeves (nettles happen!)

• Gardening gloves if you have them

• A water bottle

Gloves and any required protective equipment can be provided.

Key Details

• Where: Locations along the River Nene and Nene Park (meeting points to be confirmed)

• When: Late spring / early summer (dates to be confirmed)

• Who: Young people aged approximately 14–25

• Type: Outdoor environmental volunteering