It's finally spring isn't it? What a glorious day of sunshine and actual warmth we had today as six GoodGymmers ventured over to Bathampton. And it was a classic mission too, helping the National Trust who have acquired a large stretch of land from the edges of Batheaston all the way to Morrisons in town.

Sarah, our National Trust Supervisor for the day, greeted us after a short walk from The George Inn. Onwards with vigour went Ruth, Art, Aaron, Emily, Meyrick and Kam, filled with the joys of approaching summer and (lets be honest), this was T-Shirt weather for the first time in an age.

Sarah split us up into two groups. We were all to work in a series of fields that, Sarah explained, were still owned by the National Trust but had a tenant farmer (they were the farmer's sheep not the National Trust's).

Group one set about moving piles of woodchip from where the had been produced from the removed remains of unwanted brambles and other foliage. Group two were tasked with removing the remains of an old fence that had been replaced, but was proving to be stubborn in its attempt to persist alongside it successor.

By the time we'd finished, all posts (metal and wood) as well as the associated tangle of barbed wire that had a life of its own, were history. One particularly obstinate metal rod whose removal we were beginning to thing impossible, was removed with seconds to spare.

Job done, again. We then retired to The George for a drink and a chat.

It was the morning of Storm Kathleen, and although she was a safe distance away from Bath the weather was gusty and epic.

Three GoodGymmers showed up looking windswept and interesting to our now regular slot at Bath City Farm to help, with our usual gusto and enthusiasm. Aaron Aaron, Jane Jane and Meyrick Meyrick arrived to what was a hectic and incredibly busy Farm.

A multitude of families had showed up to what we learned was Bath City Farm's Spring Fayre, replete with stalls providing home grown goods and fun (splat the rat, face painting and chicken run for example) and I'm not sure they had been prepared for how popular the day was going to be.

As a result, their ability to provide us with work to do was somewhat impaired, but we helped where we could. Our timing was quite handy though, they were just about to pack up (the Fayre having been running since early morning), so we mucked in and helped clear up where we could.

We were also, with time remaining, able to fully water one of their polytunnels before we left. Many thanks to the team for being proactive to find work despite the fact that all the staff were too busy to supervise is as they normally would.

But that's what we do isn't it?

This morning's snow had all but melted by early afternoon when we arrived at the farm.

The thaw made it mucky under foot - when isn't it muddy at the farm..? But undaunted we set about tending to some of the farm's residents.

First we visited the goats. To refresh their hay for snacking, and also to lay some bark chips around by the entrance to their pen, which was getting rather overrun with aforementioned mud.

Also we visited the chickens, whose home likewise needed some TLC. The weight of the snow had brought down the netting roof of their enclosure, and Meyrick and I set about removing the netting.

And then we adjouned to the farm's cafe for a nice cup of coffee and/or beverage of your choice.

7 Goodymers headed to Alice park to help with a variety of tasks.

We welcomed a new Goodgymer to the team! Welcome Vish it was lovely to meet you

We divided into two teams. Half the team were sawing wood and then using the wood to create a new natural fence in the garden.
Whilst the other half of the team were up and down ladders creating a bamboo frame to support the new grape vines.
We look forward to seeing the grape vines grow and provide a new natural shelter at the back of the garden.

As usual, the time went quickly and before we knew it, it was time for a rewarding hot drink and biscuit.

We look forward to joining the Alice Park volunteers again next month to finish our new boundary fence :)