Goodgym Islington returned to our new task location at Highbury Quadrant Green Space this afternoon, with 8 folks walking, running and pedaling from all over London to come and help out!

We met up with Frannie from Octopus Community Network at their lovely new tool shed and decking behind the main housing estate. Three other resident gardeners were working on their own projects, and were really happy to see a big group of enthusiastic volunteers arriving to lend a hand with the overgrown green space. After gathering up our tools (loppers, brushes, spades, rakes and secateurs), we made our way over to the plots and got to work. Steve C, Steve L, Sarah and Jo snipped back as much of the unruly brambles, leaves and weeds as possible (whilst picking up and collecting conkers), while John and Frannie assisted with a spell of litter picking around the space (quite a few socks blown over from a local washing line, and lots of pieces of cutlery for some reason!). Rachel and Ernestas did a great job at sweeping up all the fallen leaves covering the main entrance to the gardens, reducing a slipping risk for the local residents, while making the spot look much tidier!

We dedicated a solid hour to this task, and left with a spruced up green spot, ready for the neighbours (and foxes) to enjoy! The unattended mass of thorns and brambles now looks like a pleasant wild garden with natural un-disturbed areas. Fantastic work!

We have another Octopus Communities Network task next Sunday (6th September, 4pm) at Shepard's Hill Allotments, Harringey- digging up potatoes for local community centres!

Sign up here: https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/more-potato-gathering-at-shepard-s-hill-allotments