Every Tuesday morning, a dedicated group of volunteers gathers on the banks of the River Nene. They are the local team for the Nene Rivers Trust, a charity dedicated to protecting and improving our precious river environment. We joined them for a day to learn more about their vital work.
Today’s task is invasive species management—specifically, the removal of Himalayan balsam, a non-native plant that can quickly dominate riverbanks and crowd out native flora. Armed with gloves and guided by project officer, Chloe Turner, the team gets to work. The atmosphere is friendly and focused, filled with the easy camaraderie of people united by a common purpose.
“Our volunteers are the lifeblood of the Trust,” Chloe explains. “We simply couldn’t achieve what we do without them. They help with everything from habitat restoration and wildlife surveys to litter picks and educational events. They’re not afraid to get their hands dirty!”
One of the volunteers, retired teacher Mike Davies, has been part of the team for five years. “I’ve always loved walking along the Nene, and this is my way of giving something back,” he says, pulling up a large balsam plant. “You learn so much about the local ecosystem, and you can see the direct impact of your work. It’s incredibly rewarding.” As the morning ends, a large section of the riverbank is clear, a testament to the power of community action in preserving our local natural treasures.