Balsam Bashing

This morning we were up and out early for Parkrun, Tony running and me marshalling on the fork in the path!  We seem to be averaging about 80 folks each week now, lots of regulars, a few tourists and some first timers.  It's a well oiled team of volunteers who turn out each week.

Back home we were disappointed that Yorkshire Treats was closed due to illness, hope they are better soon.  Covid seems to have reared its head again locally.

An early lunch and we were out in Deepcliff with four others from the Green Action Group, tackling the Himalayan balsam which has invaded the valley along the beck.  We began enthusiastically enough but soon realised the extent of the problem, much of the plants hidden within the thick bracken and nettle cover.  We could have done with a few more folks to really make a difference.  Nevertheless, we cleared several hundred plants in the couple of hours we were there and we haven't stopped tingling yet!

Can you spot the bashers in the balsam?