Posted on: Wednesday 10 June 2026
This Great Big Green Week, we're celebrating volunteers and community organisations working with us to nurture nature and tackle climate change, in line with the Torfaen Deal.
Calling all green fingered residents - can you help tackle some of the Himalayan balsam hotspots in the borough?
The council is calling on volunteers to join this year’s Big Balsam Bash, building on last year’s successful community effort when more than 70 volunteers took part in 10 events, and removed over 50,000 plants.
This year's campaign will run until August and focus on clearing Himalayan balsam from key areas across the borough, helping to restore habitats and prevent further environmental damage.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment, said: “The Big Balsam Bash is an opportunity for residents to take simple but meaningful action to protect Torfaen’s environment now and for future generations, and is a great way to get involved during Great Big Green Week.
“Himalayan balsam can’t just be cut back as it will regrow . The best way to tackle it is to pull it out, which is why these events have been arranged.
“These events reflect our commitment through the Torfaen Deal to creating cleaner, greener communities and supporting local action on environmental issues.
“Volunteers are needed to help with balsam-pulling events throughout the summer, and people can contribute as little or as much time as they like, from a few hours to several days.
“Whether you’re an experienced volunteer or trying something new, everyone is welcome to be part of the effort.
Himalayan balsam was first introduced to the UK by Victorian botanists in 1839, and has become a major problem for local ecosystems. With no natural predators, it spreads rapidly, often dominating riverbanks, ditches and damp habitats.
The plants can grow up to 10ft (3 metres) in a single season, with each plant producing as many as 2,500 seeds. Known as “touch-me-nots,” its seed pods burst open when ripe, scattering seeds widely and accelerating its spread.
Despite its bright pink flowers, the impact on the environment is significant. It outcompetes native plants, reducing biodiversity and harming wildlife, it dies back in winter, leaving riverbanks bare and vulnerable to erosion. This increased erosion can lead to silt entering rivers, damaging water quality
The Big Balsam Bash is funded by the Welsh Government through the Local Places for Nature programme.
If you want to find out more about volunteering in Torfaen visit Connect Torfaen