Branching out

Paradise Cooperative garden was created with the aim of utilising underdeveloped land for urban growing and community gardening. Opposite Wandsworth Prison is a tucked away parcel of land which was once an overgrown and derelict site. After masses of elbow grease from volunteers it has been transformed into a beautiful smallholding where local people can learn and grow together. The produce is donated to local organisations and it is an important learning oasis for local kids and those visiting relatives in the prison.

It's a big site, so we go regularly to support with various jobs. In the past we've spread woodchip, watered, planted and help maintain this green lifeline. Last night our job was cut back all the plants growing over the perimeter fence onto the street.

Luckily a good number of GoodGymers met as usual to to tackle the task in hand - and it was a treat to welcome Tom to his very first session! Great you could join us Tom. We set off for the 2km run to the garden in the late afternoon sunshine. Don't forget to rehydrate today, team! Before long we arrived and after the usual battle with the locks (with an amazing padlock cracking job from Katie) we grabbed what tools we could find and got to work.

The job was a huge one, with the sycamore and the ivy creeping right out into the road. We soon found ourselves ankle-deep in clippings and branches, and a big part of the job was transporting it all to the growing pile at the back of the garden.

Still, on we pruned, chopped and trimmed until we ran out of time. It's amazing to see how much you all managed to achieve throughout the session - take a look at those photos to see the before and after!

We just had time to squeeze in a fitness session in the common, focusing on balance and strength. Tackling one legged squats with our eyes closed, reverse lunges and lateral bounds you all did a great job with some very impressive balancing on display. Ok, I admit I did take one or two snaps while you all had your eyes shut... but check out how steady you all are!

Next week we're helping create a safe and fun outside space for a SEN children's centre, which should be a fun and rewarding task. Hope to see you there - until then, have a great week GG!