4 Goodgymers helped ARC CIC with clearing an area of ground, laying slabs and erecting a shed near the Children's Forest to help with the future maintenance of the forest.

After helping with tree planting at the same location last weekend, we returned to Leasowes Farm with tools in hand to start with digging up lots of gnarly roots that were in the space where the new shed was planned to be positioned. This was a good workout for everyone and certainly got us all feeling a bit warmer.

Next we were leveling out the ground as best we could given the soggy clay soil to try and get a solid base for the slabs to sit on. Laura re-enacted her skipping from last week to level out the ground with lots of additional stamping and then we put the slabs in place. With a little bit of extra mud to pack out certain corners we got it sufficiently straight and level - according to the spirit level it was spot on in one direction!

Next it was a case of erecting the shed. After an emergency rush to get additional tools that Kath kindly lent us, we set to work holding the sides of the shed in position whilst Nigel screwed them together. Thankfully Allan's screwdriver came in handy when we realised the door had swelled in the damp and so Nigel was now stuck inside the shed as we couldn't get the door open!

It was then a rush to get the roof in position and the felt on before the impending rain. After a battle with the wind, we managed to get the majority of the roof felting tacked on and the shed was sufficiently weather proof. A job well done by all!

Just as he thought he was heading home for a rest and a cuppa, Allan was yet again the knight in shining armour as he helped us by pushing our car to get it out of the muddy quagmire that it had got stuck in! All in a day's work for GoodGym!