Gwyn and Tracey enjoyed a walking fitness session through Elvaston Castle Country Park to meet Paul, Mandy and the rest of the Elvaston Castle and Gardens Trust team to work on the nature reserve.

We needed to remove two large patches of snowberries that were growing over the path and also blocking light. Ben, our volunteer coordinator, explained that they weren't a native species, and that the birds didn't like the berries, so it made sense to chop them right back and allow space for more appropriate plants to grow.

Between fourteen of us, armed with loppers, saws and clippers, we turned snowberries into no-berries, as well as removing lots of ivy and some dead wood. This resulted in a huge clearing, which we edged with dead hedges made from all of the cuttings.

Paul, Gwyn and Tracey joined the team at Elvaston Castle and Gardens Trust. Our mission for the day was to clear some of the overgrown trees around the Harrington Tomb. We'd worked on this at a previous session, and now some snowdrops are starting to appear, basking in the light that we'd opened up for them.

Our team of nine worked hard, clearing down rhododendrons, box, fir and a small amount of yew, making two large habitat piles of the cuttings.

Ben, the volunteer coordinator, is hoping that this extra light now shining on the area will tempt some dormant bluebells to make an appearance later this year.

To get December off to a good start, Mandy, Paul and Tracey met Ben, our volunteer coordinator, and Sheba, the resident cat, at Elvaston Castle and Gardens Trust.

We did a lot of weeding in the courtyard garden whilst another part of the group uprooted and potted a pine tree, which was destined to be part of the Christmas Tree Festival at St Bartholomew's Church.

A group of us made some wreaths from willow, moss, ivy and holly, and then we transported the tree along to the church, and hung some beautiful decorations made by the other volunteers on it. Then came the tricky business of manouevering the potted and decorated tree up the step and around the font to its final position at the front of the church.

Come along and see all the Christmas trees on display on either Saturday or Sunday, 11am - 4pm at St Bartholomew's Church on the Elvaston Castle Estate.

Paul also let us know about another seasonal event coming up soon; Transition 2's Winter Fayre. There's something there for everyone, do come along and join in the fun.

Paul and Tracey met with a group of other volunteers to help out Elvaston Castle and Gardens Trust.

Ben, our volunteer coordinator, split us into groups - Paul's group was based on strength; sorting and carrying large pieces of wood into safe dry storage. Tracey's group attacked some ivy that was attempting to take over an ornate grave in the churchyard.

It started out as light drizzle, but we both ended up soaked! Despite this, it was a very rewarding session, and great to catch up again.

Tracey, Paul, Simon and I thought that we'd do one good turn for the Friends of Normanton Park (who are a superb group of people) on their Family Fun Day. We started by putting some gazebos up in the world. There was a crooked man trying to put some giant games together but having trouble with the square peg and the round hole: it was me! The children loved the games, and as long as they're happy, we are too.

It was just my luck that we managed to speak to many organizations that are interested in our services. The man of the moment though was one of Paul and Simon's friends, who was so pleased to see us!

We helped to carry equipment to the stall holders, and had a look at the stalls as we did so. Our time to follow a star led us back to them later for samosas, pakoras and Indian salads.

There was a bit of trouble in store as we packed away the equipment, but we managed despite the wonky floor and the broken glass. We were treated to free ice creams by the friends as a lovely thank you!

We said fond farewells to our new friends, two of whom had to press for time because they were off to Australia tomorrow!