Five goodgymers returned to Hockley Port to continue the field clearance work today.

I arrived early at the task, just in time to find Fiona, who was having some trouble finding the location. She wasn’t alone as our first timer, Edgar, also had to take a tour of the local cul-de-sacs before finding us.

We met Hussein on the site, who explained what we could help with today, as they had used the space for Eid celebrations on Thursday. So there was a lot to clear on the field. He also pointed out the Japanese Knotweed in the corner that we cleared the first time we joined in, which had already regrown to around six foot tall. A sign that there really is a lot to do to get this site at its best.

Ryan began by raking the ground where we had previously cleared the huge brambles, while Francesca picked litter from around the site and I cleared the space of bricks, loading them in a trolley to pile them in the corners. With the field itself looking a lot clearer, we all picked up rakes and began to move the remaining brambles towards the fence separating the site from an industrial estate. We piled them high in front of it to give a bit more privacy before they work on something more permanent and attractive.

As we began to feel a few spots of rain after two hours of work, we decided that we had achieved enough. So we decided to take a selfie and go our separate ways. In good time too as it soon began to pour down, getting me a little soaked by the end of my run home.

It was great to have a new member of the group today. We hope you enjoyed the task Edgar and we can see you again soon.