11 runners ran 6k to dig a trench for The Russet's Community Growing Garden

So when lead gardener, Christina, at The Russet in Hackney Downs mentioned, in the same sentence, 'quails, foxes, trenches, kids and outdoor education' I knew it was for Hackney's GoodGymers.

The Russet, is neatly tucked away opposite Hackney Downs Studios, and its name comes from the orchard planted by The Tree Musketeers in Hackney Downs Park adjacent.

Amongst all the creative and cultural stuff going on at The Russet, they use the space and growing garden for education and activities that engage the community about re-localisation of food systems.

"supplying eggs"

Their growing garden is developing nicely with the efforts of staff and local volunteers, and they are now introducing quails to the mix. While supplying eggs to the cafe, they will invite local school children to help gather and cook quail the eggs themselves for their own breakfast before school.

"killing the quails"

To prevent foxes from killing the quails and stealing the eggs, Christina asked us to dig a 3 by 3 metre trench half a metre deep for mesh protection that will stop the foxes digging into the quail hut.

"Christina did not let us down"

It was a last minute task (a trench rescue), and Christina did not let us down by providing spades and forks and a sack to dig and load up the soil out of the trench.

Following the run (along a quiet and green route through Hackney Central, St John's Church, Clapton Square and Hackney Downs), we chatted a little about the system to dig safely around a relatively small space with 11 runners without falling into the trench ourselves! Light levels were low, but with lamps, cycle torches, ambient light from the cafe and careful digging we were able to start forming it.

"dug and dug and dug"

The Goodgymers dug and dug and dug, to the background chatter from the cafe, until some hit concrete and others reached the half metre requirement. Bryon and Barney led on lifting the huge sack of soil from the middle of the trench to deposit the soil on the raised growing beds close by.

"blast of sweaty physical action"

It was a short and sharp blast of sweaty physical action and running last night. It worked well for newcomers Sam and Bryoney, who ran their longest with us and for Kate who was easing her way back into running after a break.

For others, it was a chance to enjoy the warm evening and green route with fartlek running (speed play) through Hackney Downs back to London Fields. Simon, Thomas, Byron and James led the team there and back, with Victoria and Tory holding the middle ground and me supporting from the back.

See you all next week!

Ade