2 Goodgymers, myself and Sarah, woke up early for a morning jog down the Welsh Harp Environmental Education Centre for a woodland makeover. The conservation served as an outdoor resource for children and adults wanting to learn more about what the wilderness has to offer. There were 12 volunteers in total including 2 little helpers. After a thorough safety briefing by Billy, the project lead, we headed straight to work with our barrow of tools and surprisingly comfortable wellington boots.

The day started light with some easy pickings of some stubborn ivy roots, chopping and ripping our way through the woodland. We had a surprise visit by a fox who seemed to approve of our work as cleaners. However, Billy decided it was too dangerous having foxes too close to children so we moved to a different location (this may be the first time a fox has scared away a group of adults).

The second location proved much tougher, it took some energy taking down some small blackthorn trees. I say ‘tough’ but Sarah seemed to have no problem clearing the ponds from unwanted bushes. The aim was to get rid of anything that would hinder biodiversity in the grasslands and it seemed the crew were determined to do just that, raking as much excessive plants as we can.

At noon we took an hour lunch break for some much needed R&R, tea, biscuits and fruits all round. Thames21 is a charity that relies entirely on the generosity of companies, trusts and individuals to carry out essential work on rivers and canals, they are working hard to keep the environment clean and natural.

After lunch we went back to work laying big branches of wood on a pathway through the woods. Billy was given the challenge of sawing a thick branch in 10 minutes which he could not accomplish, in fact it took 3 people to get the job done in 17 minutes! The feeling felt so good we had to get a picture with the branch!

There is still much work to be done but that would do for now. Another task done, it was a great way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon …. Mission complete… until next time