It's hot. Again. But we were headed to a shady spot. So shady, the planting is suffering in the heat and needing mulch around them to help keep the roots from becoming even more dry.

A lively surprise before we set off, Matt found us through Meet Up and got stuck right in even though he lives in Kent and was only visiting Bristol for work - we're hoping you have many more work trips to Bristol, Matt!

We were soon mulch-moving from Hedgehog* Hotel to bags to scattering around plants, which might have been weeds, but we'll give them all a chance. The lower the mulch level in the Hedgehog Hotel, the deeper the trowel dive to fill the bags and the plants closest to the Hotel seemed very popular compared to the ones up the steep steps, funny old thing.

With the Hotel now vacant, we topped it up with leaves from the furthest store, making extra space by some vigorous jumping from Vaguely Northern Darren to squeeze in just a few more, scraped from around the edges of the old leaf pile by Tom, litter extracted by Jason and de-twigging by Richard, Jason and Francesbefore the return to Workout and more bonkers chat overlooking the water. How lovely.

*No actual hedgehogs were harmed at this task

Arron and Jason spent another hour spinning plates (cleaning the public art) at Callington Road Hospital. We were treated to actual Fairy washing up liquid, creating lots more bubbles than normal. Still lots to do.

Richard and I returned to visit Mr M in Redland to continue our quest to get his garden in order.

Given the hot weather since our last visit, we all agreed that cutting the grass could wait a few more weeks and so Mr M’s priority today was clearing the space in the backyard in and around his greenhouse which was overgrown with brambles, weeds and bindweed.

Richard got shearing whilst I got secateuring and bit by bit we could see our progress.

A lovely cup of tea with almond slices together with a chat with Mr M about his latest band performances and the Hundred cricket competition, gave us renewed energy to finish the job and Mr M was clearly delighted with our efforts.

A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon 👍😊

A short session for some of us today, due to the last of the hot weather. Kudos to Dushyant for arriving early and getting stuck in right away.

The task was to clear pathways around the orchard trees to facilitate access and in preparation for fruit picking later in the year. Following that, there was time to clear pathways up to the rabbit field - and to sample some of the early blackberries.

We finished with some locally sourced apple juice - as is the Manor Woods custom.

Prior to the start of the task Jason passed by the piglets who ran towards him and squealed. Only recorded a video so can't upload here.

Caroline, Helen and Jason spent 40 minutes chatting and putting stones back in the play pit.

A warm walk, a good weed of Jerusalem Sage, dill-looking Mare's Tail, Dock and dying Sticky Bud plus some skilled shaping of berberis and then back to Workout in time for the kick off with surround sound (delayed feed) TV coverage preempted by the crowds watching outside at The Apple.

And bumping in to Richard G for a chat - all lovely.