The morning was not as swelteringly hot as many had feared as we gathered beside Riverside Drive for our monthly session with the Friends of Ham Lands. This time it was litter picking, and we had an excellent turnout despite the task not perhaps being as fun as balsam bashing.

Everyone grabbed a litter picker and a bag, and we split off into small groups to head into wooded areas and hunt down rubbish. As usual, we found plenty to collect, with the increased outdoor socialising during summer and lockdown providing plenty of cans, bottles and other trash to remove.

The highlight of the task was undoubtedly the unearthing of two very rusted bicycles and assorted bike parts, which must have remained hidden for many years such was their condition. We dragged them back to the start point and took silly photos, of course.

The task was followed by drinks and nibbles at Tide Tables. It was great to see some lesser-spotted faces back amongst us, and we hope to see more of them soon!