Last night we had a very special task in Hounslow, one where we all learned a lot and managed to create something amazing by the end of the night.

At GoodGym we're no stranger to gardening and green based tasks - we've been helping create an outside learning area at a local school, have spread a lot of woodchip and mulch over various paths and beds across the borough, and have bashed an awful lot of bramble! But when we arrived at Chiswick House and Gardens, a charity and an amazing local space where everybody is welcome, little did we know that it would be one of our most ambitious yet satisfying tasks to date!

We met George and Stephen at the gates, delighted that it was our first visit this year in the light. While most of us ran down (with just one or two wrong turns) to the location, others traveled in style. Check out the pics of Luis and Johnnie arriving on luxury wheels!

George explained that our job for the evening was to create a huge wildlife habitat for hedgehogs, insects, reptiles and other creatures. It is particular important for the hedgehogs at the moment as they've had a difficult season with food a scarcity, and just a little while ago one was rescued by our friends at Wild Chiswick from the woodland in the gardens and rehabilitated.

It was a an epic task. First we had to dig a pit and a series of holes around it. Then the building began in earnest. While some strong bods gathered huge logs and transported them over to the site, the construction team started manoeuvering them into position. Meanwhile alternate poles of laurel and silver birch were being secured into place with an extremely heavy, effective and surprisingly melodic whacker.

Just as we were losing the light, the last of the brash and woodchip was positioned on the final creation, which was very impressive looking indeed. For an idea of what was achieved thanks to George and Stephen's instructions and a bit of muscle check out the before and after photos.

Next week we'll be off to lend a hand at the local allotments, hope to see you there!