Goodgym Hackney were out in force to get a new month of good deeds off to a flying start. Particular shout out to Evie, Indi, Lucy, Dimitrios and Andy who were joining us for the first time. Great to meet so many enthusiastic, friendly volunteers.

We were back at Stoke Newington Common to help our friends at SNUG (Stoke Newington Common Users Group) plant new hedging. There was a wonderful selection of trees and roses to plant, including dogrose, elder, spindle, hawthorn and blackthorn, although without their leaves, it proved hard to differentiate between some of them.

With so many volunteers (SNUG were out in force too!), we were able to split into two groups, working at two locations on the Common - one by the bus stand to create a hedge between the common and the pavement, the other along the fence by the railway line to help mask the metal railings. The climbing roses were particularly well suited for this job.

Holes were soon being dug, plants selected, supported and protected with canes and tubing, and pressed firmly into place to help them bed in.

After a good hour and a half, we had run out of space and canes. So we gathered up tools and unplanted hedge plants, and made our way back to base camp where SNUG very kindly shared hot drinks and home made cake, which was very much appreciated by all.

SNUG have already been in touch to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part. They were thrilled to see so many GoodGymmers and are most grateful for all GoodGym's help.