It was my first time volunteering with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust today, and we were tasked with cutting vegetation back along the path by the Derwent so the fence can be renewed.

It was very cold first thing and I was glad of my layers and ski jacket - I didn't wear a down because I knew brambles were involved. However, using the loppers and bow saws warmed us up quite quickly. The session finished early because of the weather,  but the six of us got quite a lot done. 

In 2015 I walked along this river path from Alvaston into Derby, a lovely walk with lots of wildflowers, but when I told my son he said I shouldn't have walked it as it wasn't safe. I didn't feel unsafe though, even though the path goes through dodgy areas.

The DWT sessions seem to be twice a month at this venue, which will suit me fine.

Extra: My view as I'm lopping!