This was a post-parkrun mission teaming up to support Merton Friends of the Earth with vital tree care in Morden Park. The windy weather guaranteed a physical workout as we dove into the saplings, carefully clearing the competing weeds, vines, and grass. The job was finished by applying a good layer of mulch to nourish and protect the young trees. Mission complete, followed by cozy coffee and chat with other volunteers before heading off having had a very active start to the weekend - well done team!

It might have been blowing a hooley but that didn't deter our hard-working team, including Isabella who was joning her first Merton session. Maggie set us to work clearing leaves (the wind had already made a start) and planting, while Williams spent his second day in a row taking care of compost! The local residents are all super appreciative and one even donated a chocolate cake. As the evenings are getting shorter, we ended the session in head torches. This may be our last evening here for a while but it will be lovely to see the fruits of our labour come spring.

I've never harvested potatoes but that was one of our jobs at this session. We dug them out of the compost and put them into a crate, ready for use at the Open Table, where a meal is cooked for the community. Meanwhile, Williams was back on compost-turning duty, having done such an impressive job last time. It was lovely to meet new GooodGymer Melissa, and we hope to see her again soon. The rain started to fall right at the end of the session, so it was time to make a dash and avoid the splash. We'll be back next month.

The earlier downpour had luckily abated for the monthly volunteering morning at the garden. We enjoyed a varied session, which included weeding the raspberry patch, turning the compost, mulching, taming the sage and lemon balm and even litter picking, where Rob got lucky and found a decapitated Action Man. It was also a day for spotting wildlife, with eight newts seen in the compost pile, a friendly robin and even a mouse. It was lovely to see Alyson back with us and to meet a potential new recruit in Laura. Rob stayed on to help with more mulching and did a sterling job (observed from the comfort of the cafe, but don’t spill the beans!)