We're always made to feel very welcome, and get a good workout, at our monthly session with the Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Wood.

This time we took on a patch of brambles alongside one of the woodland paths. We worked hard cutting and raking them back, then pulling or digging out the roots to slow their regrowth.

Clearing out these thorny invaders allows woodland plants such as foxgloves, bluebells and daffodils to thrive. It will be lovely to see their colours next spring!

When the rainy drizzle turned into a downpour it was time to head to the Chestnuts coffee kiosk to carry on chatting over a well-earned hot drink.

We'll be back on Sunday 5 January so why not make it a New Year resolution to come and join us?