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On Tuesday 30th July, Bruecrew sent a letter to the Environment agency informing them as to the huge amount of Himalayan balsam on the river banks above the river Brue dam. Not only did the letter advise them of the potential spread of this invasive plant it also contained photo’s. The letter has been transcribed below.

Henry Quinney
Assets and Maintenance Engagement Advisor

Environment Agency
Rivers House

Sunrise Business Park

Blandford Forum

Dorset

DT11 8ST

Dear Henry,

BRUTON DAM Asset Number 1122447 1090R17

Thankyou again for hosting BrueCREW for a tour of Bruton Flood Storage Reservoir last June.

This year, Himalayan Balsam has totally covered the banks of the Brue immediately upstream of the Flood Storage Reservoir, more completely than last year, and likely to grow ever-worse if action is not taken against this invasive species. Whilst attractive during its flowering stage, Himalayan Balsam sets seeds, which when mature disperse over a wide area and are carried downstream. As the plant grows in the spring it smothers native plants leaving the river bank exposed to erosion during the winter months.

Last year, BrueCREW offered to organise work parties of volunteers to remove these invasive plants, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals. We have just undertaken another work party in Central Bruton last Sunday, where we ‘balsam bashed’ a new area of one of the Brue tributaries that had become similarly invaded to above our Flood Storage Reservoir. It feels futile to keep ‘bashing’ in central Bruton, while more seeds will simply flow downriver.

We understand that permission for the riparian habitats that the Environment Agency controls above the Flood Storage Reservoir has not to date been forthcoming, owing to fears of volunteer safety. We urge the Agency to reconsider this, and instead to work with BrueCREW to agree as risk assessment that both organisations can be happy with, resulting in a volunteer-led initiative that we can all be proud of. Can we please politely remind you this our informative visit to the site last June was enabled by BrueCREW’s own public liability insurance.

The attached photos, taken on Tuesday 23 July, show just how wide spread the Himalayan Balsam is becoming above the Bruton Flood Storage Reservoir.

Sincerely,

Graham Clarke
BrueCREW Secretary
07780 886093

Many thanks to Mike, Nick, Lauren, Ewen, Stella and Graham for given up their time to remove whats left of the Himalayan Balsam above and downstream from Church bridge. Also undertaken was a heavy amount of Balsam just upstream of the railway bridge on Lusty stream. Amazing work. Thanks guys, from the Bruecrew team

Well it’s that time of year again and Himalayan Balsum bashing has taken place. At the moment there is no sign of any Himalayan Balsum but only time will tell.

Many thanks to Ewan, Stella, Mike and Graham for giving up their time to remove the Himalayan Balsum from above and below church bridge on Sunday 9th July. As well as the Balsum there was an enormous amount of Bind Weed removed. Well done folks

This coming Sunday 9th July. 10 a.m by Church Bridge. All welcome.

Following memorable floods in 1979 and 1982, Bruton’s flood storage reservoir was built a mile upstream, to ‘slow the flow’, and hence protect the town from the flash-flooding that our Brue headwaters are prone to. The 1982 flood seriously damaged Church Bridge, the repair of which is commemorated by a plaque on its downstream wall. The Environment Agency also lowered the weir beneath to reduce turbulence.

Our flood protection bund and storage reservoir were improved in 2008, adding capacity to protect Bruton from likely impacts of climate change over the next 50 years, while also strengthening its embankment. We are therefore arguably better guarded from flooding than any town in Somerset, but our unique geology, and consequent geomorphology, requires such hydrological damping.

Bruecrew AGM

Our AGM will be held on November 23rd 2022 at 7pm for 7.30pm start in the Club Room underneath At The Chapel, Bruton high street. Commence 7.30pm. All welcome. For further info, please email graham@bruecrew.org. Tickets are free and can be obtained via Eventbrite.

As many of you who walk along the riverbank by Church bridge will have noticed, the Himalayan Balsam from last year’s seeds has become prevalent now that it is flowering. This is despite an earlier cull of the plant. 

On Saturday 24th September it is intended to remove the remaining plants. If anybody can spare an hour of their time, please meet by the benches/seats at the church bridge at 10am. You will need waders and/or decent wellington boots, gloves and a long-sleeved shirt to protect arms from stinging nettles. Obviously, volunteers need to be reasonably fit, and sound footed. For further information please email graham@bruecrew.org or info@bruecrew.org.

The Bruecrew are currently looking for someone to take over the role of treasurer within the charity. The task is not onerous and does not account for a great deal of personal time to be spent on the role. Anyone interested should have previous experience and be well versed in the role. The treasurer is responsible for all financial matters within the charity. A brief summary of the role is shown below.
 

Treasurer duties and responsibilities

A Treasurer ensures that an organisation’s fiscal practices adhere to industry best practices to safeguard its financial position. Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and protecting the company’s financial status
• Writing and presenting reports of the charities forecasted and presenting financial status
• Contributing to the development of financial strategies and policies
• Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and tax legislation. (Where appropriate)
• Handling receipts, banking and protection of charity funds.

As ever, if you have any comments or questions, please contact any of the Team. With watery and wild regards

Graham. Secretary

Today Monday 11th July, four members of the Bruecrew spent several hours pulling up the Himalayan Balsam that lines the river bank. They concentrated on the part of the river directly up stream from the road bridge opposite to the church in Bruton. As far as can be seen, there is no further evidence of this invasive weed. Whilst some may say “it looks nice with its flowers” it is highly invasive and if left unchecked will smother all native plants. Another bash is to be planned down river from the bridge where the water can be much deeper. Many thanks go to Peter for organising and help from John, Dave and Graham.