Balsam Bashing Plan Timeline

Last updated 13 May 2021

Phase 0 Preparation April – May

Month	Activity	Where	Who
April	Publicity communication plan developed aimed at publicising the project and recruiting volunteers.  This will reflect the overall plan and be an ongoing activity until the end.	All areas	All Groups
April	Local Media all this will be identified and offered an article explaining the project and asking for volunteers. An article has been submitted to Andy Fraser at BS9 for inclusion in the June Edition of BS9.	All areas	PR expert?
April	Ownership allocate each part of the river system to a group who will be responsible for managing local activities.	All areas	All Groups
April	Reconnaissance identify the level of balsam infestation everywhere.  Supplemented by experience from previous observation. This is reflected in the map.	All areas	All Groups
April	Document maps showing levels of infestation produced. Nearly Complete.	All areas	Liz Viggars + support
April	Define types of land that can’t be cleared until small birds have finished nesting. See Map.	N/A	Roger experts
April	Constraints: map those areas that can’t be cleared until birds have finished nesting. See Map.	All areas	All Groups
April	Define what is required in the volunteer register.	N/A	??
May	Recruitment create and start maintaining a list of volunteers.	N/A	??
May	Training: Define requirements.	N/A	??
May	Sign up sheet define requirements and content.	N/A	All Groups
May	Sign up sheet agreed.	N/A	All Groups
May	Start signing people up and recording.	All areas	All Groups
May	Identify balsam that can be cleared in June.	All areas	All Groups
May	Identify dates and times for balsam clearance events in June.	All areas	All Groups

Phase 1 First Clearance June – August (mid)

In this phase we will clear all the balsam we can find.  We will need to wait until July before tackling the areas where we are constrained by the birds or other things..

Phase 2 Follow-up Clearance July – September

After initial clearance there should be a follow-up after six weeks.  So that those areas that were cleared in mid August will need to be revisited at the end of September.

Phase 3 Final Clearance October

Balsam can grow and produce seed until October.  Through October we will revisit the whole system looking for late flowering Balsam.