After a stuttering start spring has definitely arrived in Newcastle this morning, so it was lovely to be helping our friends at Urban Green in North Kenton Park today. Ever present task owner Mike was joined by their new gardener Rosie, who after only two days in the job was definitely thrown in at the deep end!

After a quick litter pick (which sadly could probably have filled our two hours) we got to work on the main task - clearing a stretch of railings ready for painting with a grant hopefully to be awarded by the council soon. Sam and Tom got straight to work, I joined in after filling a bag of rubbish and Max soon joined us after a quick detour to a different park!

The railings were completely covered and entwined with lots of shrubbery. It looked like a difficult task but we had no thoughts of failing! Some of the branches were very spiky so I think Tom’s decision to go for short sleeves left the scratches on his arms ailing!

We worked hard for an hour, assailing the branches with great determination. We were careful as members of the public were using the narrow path, not to leave the cut down branches trailing.

As usual with Urban Green, Mike came prepared with refreshments, of which we were availing ourselves.

After coffee, a glance along the fence confirmed we were sailing through the task, completely nailing it! So we really got stuck in during the second half - there was no way we were bailing before the task was completed! A few local residents were interested in what we were doing and Mike was happy to spend some time with one lady, regaling her with the plans! She seemed quite pleased after surveilling our work!

After hailing our efforts a success, Mike explained a team would use chain saws, scaling the heights of the higher branches. Finally, as we stood back to admire our work, inhaling the fresh air, we left Mike and Rosie flailing to throw a net over the back of the van to keep the branches in place, ready for some to be composted and some to feed the goats in Pets Corner - we wouldn’t want anyone tailing the van to be covered with spiky branches! Take a look at the photos to see the grand unveiling of the fence!

More railing fun in Hodgkin Park tomorrow!