Are you a mountain goat? How fire retardant are you? Two very different conversations.

Today’s task was hill-areas. We had to scramble up the hillside cutting away brambles to allow other wildlife to flourish. All of this while a fox looked up at us from a garden where it was basking in the sunshine. You wonder what it was thinking. Footholds were like gold dust and once you found a good one you were reluctant to give it up. The feeling of finding a new one though is hard to put into words.

After an hour-ish of developing our ankle and foot muscles we called time. Time for some tea and sweet treats before heading on our way. As a group I think we came up with enough words that rhyme for the title?

Until next time…

IT was time once again to help out Bemmy Lanterns with their annual winter lantern parade. All the local school kids in the area worked with artists and teachers to create some fabulous lanterns, showcasing the talent, and creativity of the youth. Then we came along after the parade and smashed it all up. Each year they make new lantern designs, so these ones would only be taking up precious space, that's where GoodGym deconstruction skills come in!

Special shout out to Jason, who smashed his 400th good deed this session! Well done and thanks for all you do for GG Bristol!

Thank you for coming along and helping out everyone! Bemmy Lanterns were very happy for our help, and have asked if we are interested in helping again next year.

The second good deed of the day started almost as usual, but this time we found our missing Sara(she wasn't lost, just really busy, however GG missed her very much!) Nothing too far out of the ordinary otherwise, making good progress against the weeds ready for berry growing season, coming very soon. Thanks for coming everyone!

In a twist of calenders, we ended up with at least 3 tasks this Saturday. Starting off with a quick trip to the top of the slopes for the usual shenanigans. Only this time a jawbone was found, likely a deers, deep within the hedgerow. Ok ok, not that crazy, but it's a darn sight more interesting than the usual beer cans and other crisp packets! Thanks for coming everyone! See you next month.:)

Today was all about preparing for next weeks Wassail. This is the traditional event held to see off any malevolent spirits and ensure a good harvest. Its become a great focal point for the local community and has got ever bigger over the last few years with volunteers and local residents and their families meeting up to sing, drink apple juice and generally make a lot of noise!

We spent our time clearing the orchard space of brambles and any roots that could become a trip hazard. Phil used his Northern Slopes scything skills while the rest of us raked and chopped away with shears.

At the end there was time for a coffee and another installment of the Orchard Book Club. Author of the day was Murakami, with particular mention of his short stories and book about running. To be continued....