3 Goodgym Islington regulars met up at Highbury Quadrant Estate Gardens around mid-morning (after parkrun timekeeping and well deserved lie-ins!) to help Octopus Community Network with their ongoing regeneration project.

Frannie was on hand to show us direct us the tasks on offer (all centred around the main decorative meadow). The new toolshed is due to be opened up to the public very soon (as a neighbourhood gardening hub), so we wanted to make the space look as sharp as possible.

Area activator Simon helped out by moving large bags of compost to the orchard via wheelbarrow, and by organising some donated plant pots for future gardeners. John grabbed a set of shears, and did a smashing job of snipping away at the overgrown tree line surrounding the toolshed (in good time as well, as Frannie was worried about the gutters getting blocked before the torrential rain on Sunday). Steve had arguably the most satisfying task- the plan was to rebuild an old table, to become a work top for visitors. This involved trimming, whittling and sawing down some wooden slats to create a perfect dovetail joint to hold the table together- no nails or glue required!

We thoroughly enjoyed our busy morning of odd jobs at Highbury Quadrant, and look forward to returning soon!