About Bury's Big Balsam Bash 2026
Volunteer groups, friends of parks groups and members of the public will team up to control the spread, and limit the damage to the bio-diversity in our nature reserves and parks and green spaces caused by the plant Himalayan Balsam.
What is Himalayan Balsam?
Himalayan Balsam is a non-native invasive plant species that spreads rapidly, outcompeting our native plants and can cause erosion on our riverbanks.
How you can help control the spread
Himalayan Balsam spreads and flowers during spring and summer.
To combat the growth of this plant successfully we have put together the 'Bury Community Himalayan Balsam Strategy', by following this plan you can help stop the spread.
Get involved with Bury's Big Balsam Bash 2026
This year's Big Balsam Bash kicks off at Burrs Country Park on Saturday 23 May from 10.30am.
People of all ages are invited to take part and do as much or as little as they are comfortable with. No prior experience is needed as it's very easy to pick up.
Wear walking/suitable shoes and protective gloves.
There will be many more group meetings at our nature reserves and park and green spaces in the Bury borough throughout Spring and Summer 2026.
You can also help by joining one of our organised parks groups or just take part whilst out walking by using our Bury Community Balsam Strategy.
Or email us: (subject Bury's Big Balsam Bash)
By getting involved you can help protect local ecosystems and restore bio-diversity, preserving our natural spaces for future generations.
Previous bashes
Bury's first 'Big Balsam Bash' took in place between May and early August 2025.
Find out about the parks and green spaces the bash took place at, the number of people hours, area of square metres cleared and the amount of sessions it took.
Help all year round - become a parks volunteer
Volunteers play an extremely important role in maintaining the standards of our parks and countryside sites all year round. It is a great way to get active, learn new skills and make new friends.