So(i)ldiering away in the mud to improve the Quaker garden!

On a crisp autumnal morning 4 GoodGym runners went along to help out at the Quaker Burial ground in Widcombe. The ground is a place for peaceful and quiet reflection and will be opened back up to the public once lockdown measures ease.

Until recently the space was overrun by weeds until a dedicated set of volunteers started improving and tidying the space. We were very excited to go and help out.

One task that Emily took care of was clearing away stones and dirt that had naturally settled on top of some graves and the area around the compost bins. It looks so much better when it was all cleared away.

Another task that Max and Cosmo took care of was weeding the flower bed on the right hand as you go in. They cleared out weeds, stones and branches that have ended up there, ready to make way for some planting in the near future. They were joined for most of the morning by a very friendly robin who was keeping his eyes open for a quick snack!

Last but not least I spent the morning weeding a largely barren patch of earth in front of a deep flower bed. The weeds in the flower bed had grown over the top of this patch and killed the grass. After weeding and removing stones I watered the ground and sowed some new grass seeds. Hopefully in a few weeks time this will be full and lush like it must have been before at some stage.

We enjoyed a really mindful and peaceful morning in this tranquil little spot and we would love to come help out again in the garden. Thanks to Susan for hosting us (and for the very much appreciated tea and biscuits!).