It was tough work but thanks to the combined muscle power of a determined team of ten, we did it! We cleared and dug a six-metre long trench to a spade’s depth, despite today’s extreme heat and the dry stony conditions of the ground at the Ladywell Fields Tiny Forest. This was the important first step in preparing a site where an extra 200 native saplings will be planted in the winter, extending the forest to the south in order to further benefit biodiversity and carbon capture.

Although Isaac decided to rest his sore legs by using public transport to reach the task (upholding true GoodGym principles of low-impact travel!), he showed no signs of depleted energy as he got stuck into 90 minutes of digging and shovelling earth alongside the fence bordering the existing forest. For Linda, this was her 100th good deed and easily the sweatiest to date. Thank goodness the local “tree keepers” volunteering team decided on a 9am start so we could avoid the hottest part of the day – and the forecast is for cooler weather for Monday’s Lewisham group run when the project will be continued.