At Avro golf club we are fighting an ongoing battle against a non-native plant called Himalayan Balsam, which has invaded the river banks and woodland areas along the footpath running away from the golf course at the back of the 7th green. This is part of a local and national environmental campaign to control the spread of the Balsam which is displacing our native plants and causing severe erosion of river banks.

Each year we organise a Balsam bashing event and ask for volunteers to help control the spread of the Balsam by pulling it up before it flowers and spreads its seeds. Pulling up each stem of the Balsam plant is not a strenuous activity as the roots of the plant are very shallow.

This year's Balsam bashing is on Saturday 29th June - gents, ladies and children are all welcome – bring the whole family!

If you can spare a morning and join in the satisfying task of pulling up the Balsam, then please add your names to the signup sheet on the gents competitions board opposite the coffee machine. Alternatively, you can simply reply to this email.

Schedule: Meet at 9:00 for briefing, balsam pulling from 9:15 to 12:00. Bring your own packed lunch and we will provide FREE Tea/Coffee or soft drink.

Dress code: Sturdy shoes/boots, long trousers, long sleeve top and gardening gloves. If wet, please bring suitable waterproofs.

PLEASE NOTE: The course remains open - volunteers will not be pulling Balsam on the course.