A group of conservationists have braved the miserable weather to improve access to a wildlife area. 

The team of volunteers are to spend five hours clearing the pathway and tending to the stag beetle loggery of the 300 metre square wildlife area situated in Valentines Park, Ilford.

By clearing the over-grown thistles currently blocking some of the pathways, visitors will be able to access the wildflower area which was seeded last year.

The event is taking place between 10am and 2:30pm today.