Bassenthwaite Balsam Bash, Cumbria, England

Bassenthwaite is in the heart of the Lake District National Park, and will capture anyone's heart. Maybe it's the dramatic presence of Skiddaw, rising above the valley like a guardian angel, maybe it's the sound of the bells of Bassenthwaite's tiny church ringing up the valley, or maybe it's the sense of absolute tranquility and open space. Whatever attracts you about the area, it's popular with wildlife. Ospreys return year after year to nest here, using the rich fish resources in Bassenthwaite lake itself. You may also see dragonflies, kingfishers, red squirrels or badgers, amongst others.

You will be working along the river Derwent, where it connects Derwentwater with Bassenthwaite. This is a popular river with one major problem: Himalayan Balsam. This non-native plant invades riverbanks, exterminating natural vegetation and leaving river banks prone to major erosion problems. But fear not! BTCV in partnership with the Lake District National Park Authority's 'Bassenthwaite Lake Restoration Programme' have been systematically removing the plant. Progress so far has been encouraging, with upstream sections now free of the plant. And this year we plan to clear the next section of the river, solving the problem for people and wildlife alike. Pulling out (or 'bashing') Balsam is easy, and requires only you and a pair of gloves. You will quickly see the difference as you let the riverbank breathe once again. You will have the privilege of visiting a variety of sections of the National Park which are normally closed to public access, so will be up close and personal with the wildlife there.

You will be staying in Bassenthwaite Parish Room in the picturesque village of Bassenthwaite. This village hall accommodation is comfortable, with good showers, central heating, a spacious kitchen, and air beds to sleep on in the large hall. It is only a short walk to the local pub, with plenty of footpaths through the surrounding farmland and hillsides. Assuming the ospreys oblige and nest in the right tree again, you will have the chance to visit the Osprey Viewpoint in Dodd Wood, where a team of bird experts will be on hand to show you the chicks and explain what you are seeing. Evening walks along the pretty Chapel Beck, or a gentle evening spent in the village are also possible. Keswick is close by.