Today’s mission took us to Crayford, where we joined the Thames21 team to help clear a stretch of the River Cray.

The task at hand was to tackle the overgrowth—cutting back encroaching sallow trees and clearing reeds that had begun to dominate parts of the river.

There were around 15 of us in total, but we split into smaller groups. Our team of five, freshly kitted out in waders, long gloves and armed with saws and loppers, set off in search of our designated patch. Before long, we were standing knee-deep in mud and river water, hard at work.

The job involved cutting back some impressively large branches—many well over 12 feet long—and stacking them neatly along the bank. It was physical work, no doubt, but incredibly satisfying.

Our team quickly found a rhythm, making great progress as we cleared fresh green shoots and heftier limbs that had sprung up along the river. Once the cutting was done, we turned our attention to tidying up. Several piles of branches had already been started along the bank, so we formed a human chain to consolidate everything into one large stack. Passing branches, some quite hefty, from one person to the next, we worked efficiently—and with plenty of good humour.

After a couple of hours, we paused for a well-earned coffee and a biscuit, which tasted all the better for the effort. Catching up with the other group, it was clear everyone was enjoying themselves and felt the work was both worthwhile and rewarding.

Refuelled, we got back to it for another hour and a half before wrapping up. We waded back out of the river, cleaned off our gear, and headed home—tired, muddy, but thoroughly satisfied.

It felt like a proper workout, and a genuinely productive one at that.

Ashton joined Thames 21 volunteers working to maintain the Thames Road Wetland, a hidden haven in Bexley borough.

The task was clearing a ditch and Ashton got stuck in with his usual energy and enthusiasm.

If you fancy getting involved in this ongoing conservation project, there's another session next month. Sign up here.

All equipment is provided and it's a truly special experience.

Himalayan Balsam, actually!

Today we joined local residents for a 'Balsam Blitz' along the River Cray, organised by the independent charity, Thames21. Our mission was to wade along the river from Bexley, pulling up Himalayan Balsam plants.

'Why are you being so mean to Himalayan Balsam?', I hear you ask.

Well, when it flowers and goes to seed Himalayan Balsam spews out hundreds of seeds which thrive in wet conditions and outcompete native plants. This leads to reduced biodiversity and erosion of the riverbanks.

So Balsam is bad!

However all is not lost: removing the Balsam before it flowers can stop up to 90% of the plants returning next year. And that's where we came in, ready to tackle this voracious invader!

Clad in waders and using sturdy poles for balance in the fast-flowing water we stepped down into the river and made our way downstream eagerly scanning the banks. When we came across Balsam plants we carefully pulled them up roots and all, and transported them away in our floating trugs.

Being in the water was a unique way to see the River Cray. There was lots of chatting and it was such a nice way to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors and do good for the local environment.

Find out more about the work of Thames21 and sign up for their next Balsam Blitz later this month at https://www.thames21.org.uk/

PS: We didn't take any photos because our phones were safely tucked away in pockets that weren't accessible in our waders. Thank you to Michael from Thames21 for allowing me to use his pics.