Jennings Brewery and West Cumbria Rivers Trust are pulling together with a series of events to fight back against Himalayan Balsam.

As part of the trusts wider balsam bashing efforts across West Cumbria, they have teamed up with Jennings Brewery to launch Pull Together: Bash the Balsam along the River Cocker.

Jennings Brewery which sits on the banks of the River Cocker and uses local water in every pint.

Himalayan Balsam may look pretty, with pink-purple flowers and sweet scent, but it is a threat to local wildlife and our rivers.

The fast growing species out-competes native plants, and dominates riverbanks.

With dense stands can impede river flow, increase flooding risks, and when they die back in winter, leave banks bare and susceptible to erosion.

Invasive species like balsam cost the UK economy around £1.8 billion a year and are among the top five drivers of biodiversity loss globally.

A spokesperson for the West Cumbria Rivers Trust said: “This summer, there are four Pull Together events where local people can drop in to a bash to help tackle invasive Himalayan balsam, a fast-spreading plant that damages riverbanks, harms wildlife and impacts water quality.

“Together, we’re aiming to pull 132,000 balsam plants before they can spread an eye-watering 33 million seeds.”

To celebrate the partnership, Jennings are brewing a brand new beer.

A spokesperson for the Brewery said: “We’ve brewed Bash the Balsam, a beer with floral notes inspired by balsam’s unique aroma, to raise extra support.

“Every sip you take is a step towards improved water quality and stronger ecosystems, all from a river that gives us the water for our brews.”

The four events take place in June and July with volunteers welcomed back at Jennings Brewery’s Taproom.

For anyone interested in taking part, no experience needed and no sign-up required, just turn up on the day.

Everyone is welcome, and it’s a great activity for all the family, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Come for an hour or stay all day, every plant pulled makes a difference.

Pull Together dates:

Saturday, June 6 – Double Mills Footbridge, Cockermouth 1-4pm (13:00 – 16:00)

Wednesday, June 24 – Loweswater, nr Cockermouth 10am-3pm (10:00 – 15:00)

Wednesday, July 8 – Foulsyke, Loweswater 10am-3pm (10:00 – 15:00)

Saturday, July 25 – Double Mills Footbridge, Cockermouth 1-4pm (13:00 – 16:00)

Find out more and sign up here.