Eleven people attended our Open Meeting on April 15, 2010, of whom two were new to the Nature Reserve, and four were members of the Management Group. Alan Bradwell from the Darley Abbey Historical Group attended.

The Happy Group

We walked around the site on a calm evening for about an hour and a half.

Main points discussed were:

Gates

Not currently needed unless cyclists become more of a problem. "No cycling" signs to be put on notice boards which we should have soon.

Paths

Strong view to leave paths as they are, but to try to keep the riverside path open by clearing it if it becomes overgrown in summer/autumn.

"Temple"

General agreement to restore masonry to the site if possible, and to arrange it to illustrate its history.

Ponds

Some would like to create a permanent pond by digging out marsh grass and controlling willows.

Rides

To consider extending an existing ride towards the river edge at NE end of site.

Wood/scrub piles

In future to lay these so as to enclose areas for nesting birds.

Volunteer work days

Several people wanted to have more work days on site. Two days are planned for this summer.

Alan Bradwell pointed out some historical features of the Nutwood area:

The "Temple" was a summer house at the end of a fenced walkway through the wood, in the mid 19^th century, and there was a public right of way by the stream on a 1930's map. These points were noted.