Louise, Andrew, Sara and Hannah joined the friends of the Palace Park for another volunteering session! Things got off to a ceremonial start with Bromley‘s mayor coming by to cut the ribbon for the official entrance to the park; he then joined a guided walk around six of the Bromley parks with several other interested parties. Meanwhile, we headed over to the other side of the lake to get back to clearing away ivy, brambles and laurel (and rubbish) to make space for more plant diversity. Andrew managed to tackle a huge overgrown holly too. Great work!

Great to join the assembled Friends of this park giving it some love and attention after a lot of neglect… and saving it from possible threat of encroaching redevelopment. Today lots of new plants had been acquired (and some rescued from the adjacent old Civic Centre site) so years of overgrown ivy, brambles and invasive trees needed to be cleared to make some space.

Ratchet loppers and various types of saw saw plenty of action. Brilliant people and brilliant secret spot in Bromley. (Plus, an actual ha-ha!)

Two Goodgymers joined the Friends of Bromley Palace Park to help with weeding, chopping and generally eliminating some pesky laurel.

Millie got to work digging up roots, while Louise went on a lopping extravaganza. The glorious weather made it a treat to be here, with birds chirping, dogs and dog walkers chatting and the occasional Canada goose honking.

We'll be back next month, to continue helping the Friends get the park ready for the Summer.