Hodgkin Park is definitely one of my favourite task locations. It’s not as popular as other parks in Newcastle but it is definitely worth a visit.

Today’s task was half way up lovers lane… or more accurate a very steep tree lined path. Oak trees over grown with Laurel.

As beautiful as evergreen Laurel is, it is fast growing a quickly blocks about light and encroaches on the trees around it.

Mikes direction for today was make it look like that, while pointing at patch that had already been cut to about knee height.

So armed with saws we set off to different parts of the tree line, giving enough space not to take each other out with falling trees!

Very quickly the pile of branches began to grow and light shone through to the path.

The conversation quickly turned to the felling of the amazing sycamore gap tree and how it will regrow the same ways this Laurel will but not so quickly.

Coffee break snuck up on us along with stories of injuries caused through clumsiness and misadventure. Thankfully Kristi is as good at tripping over fresh air as I am!

Two hours flew by, but what a difference we made! Check out the before and after pictures.

If you’re looking for ways to get involved you can join us tomorrow at Stepney Bank Stables <\a> or Wednesday at Galstone terrace allotment <\a>