With full credit to Becs for tonight's report title!

It was a beautiful late summer evening as we gathered in Meath Gardens for the latest instalment of the project to clear brambles to make way for a canalside pathway between the University site and the residential area north of Meath. Even as we were bathed in the last rays of sunshine though, it became clear that tonight's task was The One Where The Headtorches Came Out Again....

Not to be put off though, a fine group of Goodgymmers were swiftly set to work by Tunde and our other friends at Friends of Meath. A few were dispatched to ensure the gardens were litter free for residents to enjoy, a couple were set to work with a saw to take down some tree stumps, and the rest of us took up our secateurs and shears to make the final push to clear the brambles all the way up to the bridge. It wasn't long before, guided by Laura's ground lights, we had breakthrough and the path was clear! Just one final section (for next week!) on the other side of the bridge. Easy!

The evening also yielded its fair share of treasures. A small colony of ladybirds caught the eye of a few of the bramble clearers, followed shortly by a frog, spotted by eagle-eyed Rebecca. Asia at Friends of Meath was delighted with it - a juvenile common frog - as a demonstration of just what an important conservation area the gardens are (pic of frog, slightly bemused at the attention it was receiving, attached).

The evening also saw the unearthing of an interesting historical relic - a post used to moor commercial barges (hopefully I have that right!) which Tunde estimated is likely to be over 100 years old.

The things you find under the brambles!

Do join us for the final installment of this particular challenge, next week!