On arrival at the task we were pleased to see the finished result of the work we did on our last visit here. The compost area is now complete - I’m sure we will contribute to filling it on subsequent visits.

Thorny issue

Our task host Sue then made the days task clear. It was to clear! An area of brambles and ivy had overgrown and begun to encroach on neighbouring gardens. Our job was to clear the passage, and assuage the neighbours.

Roses amidst the thorns

We decided to tackle the task on two fronts! Sue, Ricky and Barbara worked from one end, while John headed to the other. Belinda took on the formidable task of reducing the size of clippings to fit them into the two green wheelie bins available.

After a short run (there was some dispute about the actual length) Sarah and Paul joined John. Irregardless of the thorns, they waded forth hacking and pulling at the over growth. Tamsin helped to provide essential debris collection in addition to photographic support.

Thrown in

We are quite used to seeing our newer members throwing themselves fully and enthusiastically into tasks. On this occasion though it appears that Tamsin and Belinda did the throwing in, in order to benefit from the crushing density of Sarah.

Back Passage declared open

Around fifty minutes later, the two groups met, and the back passage was declared clear. A quick tidy up, and digging of a border to reduce the likelihood of regrowth, the task was done, and we headed to our prearranged debrief point and some much needed rehydration.