Sunday 22nd October 2023
Report written by Beth (she/her)
6 Goodgymmers made their way to Walnut Tree Close to help at the new community garden. After helping to clear the area of tarmac at a previous task, it has undergone a huge transformation already, with beds and gravel in place. First up was clearing gravel from under the weed membrane to remove trip hazards - Divya and Sevan made short work of it and joined Kash and Beth bagging the top layer of gravel in the beds, ready for children to plant herbs. Guessing the strength of six year olds was a little tricky but resolved by 'if i can pick it up with one arm, they probably can'. Rohan took on shaving down tree stumps around the edge, while Pippa cut back a particularly spikey plant.
The group then set to work bedding down the gravel and removing signs that foxes thought the area was a giant litter tray... various tactics were used to flatten the ground, with circuits, squats and jumps making an appearance (true goodgym style).
Next up was making two water butts secure in the far corner. From a distance, it looked like a game of sardines but was actually a very intense conversation about how to move a rather full one, and a philosophical discussion of whether it was half-full or half-empty ensued. After some quick thinking by Sevan, the water was moved into buckets and the butts were safely secured.
A bit more raking of the ground and the job was done.
Barnes Community Gardeners did their first gardening project at Vine Road Park in spring 2022. In their first year, over a thousand volunteer hours have been spent on community projects in Barnes and lots of fun has been had by all. Both physical and mental health are improved by the companionship of growing together outdoors and the benefits of working with and in nature are well documented. Our volunteers focus on elderly and vulnerable individuals who need help or wish to do more gardening. BCG has been working on projects at Walsingham Lodge, Essex House, Barnes Green Centre and at several Housing Association sites. We also help with private gardens for elderly FISH clients, and assist with the general maintenance at Vine Road Park as well as introducing new initiatives such as last year’s Bee Fair. We are very lucky to have so many green spaces in Barnes. Looking after them and each other we can really make a difference to our wonderful local community.
See moreMon 23rd Oct 2023 at 2:20pm
Wow, it looks so different there! 😍
Richmond
Volunteer at the first Richmond Mind Mental Elf Run to help raise funds