Well, Friends of Danesmead Wood (FoDW) needed some help to fight back with the Himalayan Balsam takeover. They had grown very tall and the only plants that could compete with them were nettles. We had a collection of volunteers from FoDW, Just Serve and Good Gym . Between us there was a merry group of 12 in the glorious sunshine with some very brave Goodgymers in their shorts amongst the nettles.

We had an hour to bash away with each pull giving a satisfying "thwap" sound. Before we knew it we had cleared a large patch with 12 thirsty workers supping away on cold water and fizzy pop. The FoDW crew were delighted and felt like a corner had been turned. Jude the leader of the group explained that the seeds are only viable for 2 years so if we can keep on top of it then we should have cracked it. We all scattered in different directions to find our way out of the wood and, for those with trousers and long sleeves, to get home to change into something cooler.