It is likely that we are facing an extended period of home isolation, which will be challenging for all of us.

I suggest we all try to get some exercise by taking frequent walks around the parklands, individually or in family groups, always being mindful of social distancing.

The conditions are currently excellent for outdoor exercise, but also for the growth of weeds!

I have been taking gloves and a pair of secateurs or a folding pruning saw with me on these excursions and cutting back some of the more vigorous weed vines. Balloon vine, glycine and Madeira vine are particularly rampant at the moment, with the latter now in flower. Madeira vine rarely – if ever – produces seed here. It propagates from tubers produced in leaf axils . We always make sure where Madeira vine occurs to collect any stem material or tubers in plastic bags for disposal. Underground tubers should be lifted with care and taken away in bags too.

So take a walk and check for weeds! This way we can all contribute to environmental protection while staying fit and healthy!