A young NRNer steps into spring with NRN plant propagation group

_{Hannah wielding a “Lazy Dog” weed puller to excise docks from the meadows Photo - Robbie Cooke}

If you look carefully in this picture, you might notice a rare phenomenon - the sun is finally shining again!! It's been a few months now since l've been regularly able to attend the Wednesday group at Long Mead, and having braved mud, floods, wind and rain, It brought me and all of us a lot of joy to work in fairer conditions.

But what l've really been grateful for over the weeks has been the warmth of everyone involved in the group. It's been such a wonderful space for me to meet new people with different lives and stories to tell, and connect over working together to restore nature. It really feels like everyone is welcome and supported. For me as a young adult who often feels a little bit like I'm living 'in limbo' while I take a break from studies, it's been really grounding to be in nature and with other people who share my love of wildlife, and who want to protect it.

Over the winter, we've been focusing on hedge-laying, hedge-pruning and hedge- mulching, and we're looking forward to new tasks on the horizon as the seasons turn. Over the warmer months we'll be seed sowing, propagating plants and very importantly, seeing the fruits of our labour - as the meadows that have so long been underwater bloom into life with the native wildflowers the NRN have planted. 

It really is a haven for both wildlife and people, so do get down there and see what's going on! In your own time or even just for one session, it's fantastic for your brain and body.

Thank you to everyone who has made me feel so welcome at Long Mead.