Hello, my name is Di Wallace. I am 71 years young and enjoying retirement with my husband Les in Freethorpe, just outside of Acle. In my working life, I was a Therapist/Counsellor, working in Schools, Occupational Health Depts and in Private Practice.

I play the fiddle and facilitate a folk gathering and play for occasional ceilidhs with my husband Les. We cycle, motorcycle, canoe, ramble and nature watch. Craft, book club and growing veg fills up the gaps.

When we returned to Norfolk after eleven years in Cumbria, I wanted to get involved with something, in case I got bored (as if I didn’t have enough hobbies!) I have always enjoyed the beauty of nature and wildlife, so the NWT seemed a good choice, and it has been a very good choice.

I have learnt so much from all of these activities. I find when you lead a walk, there is always something new to find or to learn about. Sometimes it’s something I see and then look up later or it is the things that I learn from the lovely people I walk round with. I love this sharing of knowledge, it also inspires me to learn more for myself.

I currently lead walks around Upton Broad – a small somewhat hidden away gem, but with loads to offer. I also enjoy going on the led walks and courses that are on offer.

I wholeheartedly recommend NWT to anyone interested in getting out and about in nature. It is something you can do in groups, yet feel equally at home if you are on your own. There are some cracking reserves, and of course if you are a member, you get free access to the reserves that are near you when on holiday – something we really enjoy doing.

I have always enjoyed the ‘people meeting’ aspect of leading the walks, and have found it a real privilege to meet and chat to people. One instance in particular, was on one walk, a lady on her own. We chatted as we walked and I discovered that this lady had lost her lifelong partner and tried the walk as a way of ‘getting back into life’ How wonderful to meet and welcome this lady and introduce her to the wonderful healing world of nature and wildlife.

Finally I have enjoyed learning about the why’s and how’s of the work that the NWT carries out. Norfolk has always had a very special place in my heart, as my parents and grandparents brought me here every year for our holidays. I adored it then, and I do now, so It’s good to see that it is being cared for and cherished by an organisation like the NWT. My last word? In the sad and battered world in which we live today, there is a beauty and wonder in our nature and wildlife that is astounding and full of hope – enjoy it!