This week we had a double-task of sorts, first task was to visit the orchard trees at Stockingstone Meadow, these had been mulched by contractors but they had piled too much mulch up against the trunks of the trees so we needed to scrape it away to prevent trunk rot and spread it more sensibly around the roots of each tree.

That was an important task but didn't take too long so we then moved on to the nearby Riverside Meadow, where we've been waging a long war against Goldenrod. The meadow was looking much more diverse than in previous years when it was just a blanket of goldenrod. But some remnants of roots in the ground have sprouted smaller weaker plants so we spent half an hour picking them out. Still plenty to do here, so we left plenty for other volunteer groups to deal with. We will return another day to get the rest if needed!

On the way back we took a moment to stretch and strengthen our hip flexors and glutes. Often overlooked muscles they really help with running when they're strong and healthy so it was worth ten minutes to focus on them.

In the middle of a heatwave and after a warm dry spring, the fruit trees of the Wigmore Park Community Orchard were at risk of suffering from drought so we tied up our running shoes and headed out on a hydration mission.

Taking it easy in the heat we ran in the shade for the 5km to get to the park and joined others who had made their directly to the park on foot/bike to reduce the risk of the heat.

Konni was ready and waiting for us in the orchard, with two hoses running to fill buckets and watering cans. We soon had a shuttle system going to get water out to each one of the 80 trees in the orchard and worked systematically to make sure they all good a good bucket or two of water each.

On completion we enjoyed some of Konni's home made elderflower drink and took a moment to celebrate Duncan's birthday with a round of donuts. 🍩 😋

Then the return 5km for the runners thankfully downhill and noticeably cooler as the sun dipped down.

This week's group run too us up to Dallow Downs and the Ferndale allotment. Thanks to previous efforts this allotment that had fallen out of use is now fully occupied with keen growers.

the final part of bringing the allotment back into good use was clearing up collected bits of rubbish in the overgrown parking area.

We got rummaging in the foliage to find the bits of old wood, metal buckets and general litter left lying around and now grown over by thick plants, building an impressive pile ready for quick removal. With all the rubbish pulled out the area is safe for a strimming and reclaiming the area for better use.

We made quick work of it so we took the scenic route down the beautifully sunny downs and picked litter on the way. Filling a couple of bags with our findings before we got back onto the streets.