At the end of September 2025, I decided I wanted to contribute in some way to my local nature reserve in Broomfield. I have always found the reserve to be a place I love to walk to when I want peace and quiet – a time to enjoy the insects, flowers, fungi, lichen and wildlife in front of me. The whispering wind in the trees, the calling of the buzzards above me and the chatter of green woodpeckers yaffling.

I've found volunteering with the work party at Newland Grove, even over such a short time, so rewarding. The people already volunteering have been so welcoming and friendly. My neighbour even commented that I not only look happier since I took the decision to apply to join the work party, but that since starting, “it was great to see me so enthusiastic” over what I am doing every time I am there, talking about the things I've achieved, from dead hedging, to the raking and clearing for more wildflower meadow areas.

I've also enjoyed the learning aspects of volunteering, such as achieving the Essex Wildlife Trust’s Certificates in Safety.

I look forward to the Tuesdays spent at the work party; simple things, like preparing my sandwiches for the day and a flask of tea, walking across the open fields to the local reserve and getting lots of exercise. It also decreases my bodily pain and sometimes, even the facial pain I suffer from, as long as I wrap up well and protect the areas that are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations.

I only wish that I had decided to volunteer sooner than I did. At lunch time we sit as a group and laugh, joke and enjoy each other’s company. Here's to 2026 and beyond.

By Sharon Boreham, volunteer at Newland Grove nature reserve