Today has been an excellent task, a crisp bright day but cold despite the sun shine. Debbie and Adrian, hardy folk, cycled to the site.

We started off with a cup of tea with Simon Hiley, the head ranger, and a slippey slidey trip in the landrover to the work site. Simon drove a buggy with a trailer attached which several of our younger volunteers had a go in. It looked pretty hairy but good fun.

The task, hedgelaying along a brook, was very satisfying. There was a nice mix of experienced hedgers and first timers, and we worked in several areas so everyone got a go. It appears that Rafael, who never even saw a laid hedge in his life is a natural.

We also had a visit from the Derby Evening Telegraph photographer, who took a whole load of shots from all angles.