A group from BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) were in the Reserve to do some balsam pulling on August 3 and 4 

The leader of the group, Tom Watkins wrote:

"BTCV has been running courses in Conservation in Derby for three years.  Our students have carried out conservation work in many Local Nature Reserves. 

We are very lucky to be able to use Darley and Nutwood LNR as a training site.  The work we have done in the Reserve includes the construction of a footpath, installation of bridges, management of scrub and removal of Himalayan Balsam. 

The students have really enjoyed being involved in the management of one of the most valuable natural habitats in Derby.

We didn't manage to get into the swamp area but we may fit another few days work in at the start of the next Balsam pulling season."

Many thanks to Tom and his group, and we hope to see them again!

The BTCV Group at Nutwood

An evil looking balsam

But totally harmless of course