Today's Grove Farm group was lower in numbers as some volunteers chose to attend the Restore Nature Now protest in the morning hours. Mike and Olena were on duty as early as 9 am, chopping away ivy, brambles and the wonkiest tree branches.

The GoodGym team didn't disappoint. Kash walked to lead the session from South Ealing, while our new starter, Bal, came from Hayes, where there is no GoodGym... yet! He showed great enthusiasm for GoodGyming: a dose of outdoor exercise, helping the community, meeting new people and getting some fresh air - much more fun than sitting on the sofa munching croissants! Bal even drafted his first report as soon as the mission registration email came up. That's the spirit!

"Spent a couple of hours gardening in Grove Farm - had a great time!" - Bal

Sevan came a bit later, running all the way from the Northfields train set task.

Today's job was to continue clearing the vegetation near the Whitton Avenue entrance to the park, this time on the left-hand side of the path. Mike was hopeful that would discourage local drinkers from hiding in the bushes and chugging on cheap beer. Loppers, trimmers, rakes and saws were in operation, complimented by some old-fashioned pulling young tree trunks by hand. Olena and Bal collected a number of beer cans, previously hidden in the thicket. Mike, Sevan and Bal piled up the trimmings to build a dead hedge that could serve as a habitat for insects and small mammals. At the end of the session, the area by the entrance looked far less wild. Hopefully, our work will improve the safety of Grove Farm visitors and prevent antisocial behaviours.

Missed today's session? Do not worry! There will be plenty of brambles and ivy to tackle in a month, so join us at the July Grove Farm session!