Local accountants clear Tale Valley river banks of invasive Himalayan Balsam

A team of eleven, wader clad volunteers from Simpkins Edwards, Exeter, recently swapped a day in the office for a day on the banks of the beautiful River Tale in East Devon to support the work of The Tale Valley Trust.

Building on last year’s volunteering success with the charity, Simpkins Edwards’ team of volunteers spent two days helping to clear non-indigenous invasive Himalayan Balsam, a tall attractive pink flowering plant, which has been an issue for the Trust for the past 13 years, from the banks of the River Tale. 

In addition to clearing historic field irrigation systems and removing nettles and brambles, Simpkins Edwards’ team also retrieved weeds from beneath bridges, enabling the water to flow freely. 

Commenting on their volunteering experience, Mark Simic, Partner at Simpkins Edwards’ Exeter office, said: “It was a great team day out working on a very worthwhile cause.  Whilst it was incredibly hard work, it was rewarding as we were able to enjoy glorious weather surrounded by beautiful nature, all in the knowledge that our work would help to ensure the future health of the river and the wildlife species reliant upon it.”

Mish Kennaway, Project Coordinator for The Tale Valley Trust, said: “We rely on volunteers to help us to regenerate the community and the environment of the Tale Valley, a beautiful, little known part of the East Devon Landscape.  This is the second year Simpkins Edwards’ volunteers have worked with us on delivering vital maintenance works which help to ensure the health of the River Tale.”

The Himalayan Balsam clearance is just one of the many volunteering days that Simpkins Edwards has participated in this summer. From litter picking and Scout and Guide hut renovation, to a makeover of Barnstaple Sea Cadets’ HQ, staff from Simpkins Edwards have been out and about across the county, making a positive difference to many local communities.