I was called upon to cut back an overgrown privet hedge and mow the lawn for Mr Y. When I arrived, I was told some friends had come yesterday and done most of the hedge cutting back, so I wasn't sure how much more I could do.

I focused on trying to cut back as much of the highest overhanging branches as I could. I was wary to get on a ladder by myself, so used the extended lopper, which was hard work holding up for prolonged periods!

I cut back some ash saplings that had grown through the children's bikes and some ivy that had overtaken the shed at the back. I then spent the rest of my time gathering all the cuttings I could into 3 massive bags and then making a huge pile at the back for the rest.

I'm not sure where this lawn was I was supposed to mow, but there wasn't grass under all that! I left feeling I hadn't made a huge amount of difference, but it felt like too big a job for one or even two Goodgymmers really!