The Avoch balsam bashers are a dedicated group of volunteers tackling Himalayan balsam around Avoch village on the Black Isle. For Volunteers Week we’re taking a look at how the group first became established back in 2023 and the work they’ve been doing since.
Himalayan balsam is an invasive non-native plant which is prolific along many rivers and waterways in Scotland. It grows in dense stands, shading and crowding out many native plants and exacerbating bank erosion over the winter months. It is (thankfully!) relatively limited in its distribution in the Scottish Highlands, providing an opportunity to tackle infestations at earlier stages of establishment.
Avoch on the Black Isle is one of the villages where this invasive non-native plant can unfortunately be found – but in recent years the local community has banded together to tackle it! The work was initiated by Lizzie, from Rosehaugh Estate just outside Avoch, who first contacted SISI Project Officer Trudi in 2023 to discuss the problem. Together, Lizzie and Trudi attended an Avoch Council meeting to explain what the plant was, why it was a problem and how it could be tackled.
Work began in earnest in the summer of 2024 with conservation days organised by Lizzie, Trudi and local volunteers Catherine and Alistair. The first conservation day took place in the village with 15 people in attendance. Since then, the group has had about 20 people involved each year and put in an impressive 477 hours to control the plant on the burns around Avoch village and on the Killen Burn.
The source of the infestation is believed to be a garden in Killen village but parts of the burn are difficult to access due to fallen trees, so work is ongoing to confirm the source. Project Officer Trudi helps with work in the upper reaches of Killen burn, focusing on the upstream sources, and supplies the group with weed wackers.
The group operates independently using WhatsApp to keep in touch and let each other know what sections they will be targeting. Lizzie brings extra help from Rosehaugh Estate whenever possible, getting work experience students to join for a few sessions each year.
In May the group held a strategy meeting to discuss a work schedule for the 2026 season and to welcome new members. Trudi and Niall (our Seasonal Project Officer) will help with control work on the upper sources while the group will focus on areas in the lower reaches of Killen Burn where Himalayan balsam is particularly prolific.
If you live in the area and would be keen to get involved, the Avoch Balsam Bashers would be delighted to have you join! Currently there are events planned for:
- 9 June at 10am
- 15 June at 10am
- 20 June at 10am
- 26 June at 2pm
- 1 July at 2pm
Please get in touch with Trudi Clarke for further details – she can be reach at 07498 889443 or trudi.clarke@ndsfb.org.
