Hedgelaying at Battlemead Common was a quintessential GoodGym experience - outdoor, active, social and the opportunity to learn new skills. On a mild winter morning, seven GoodGymers met Braywick Rangers, WildCookham and local conservation volunteers to lay part of the wildlife hedge at Battlemead, along the Thames Path.

Today was day 2 of this activity and many present had already made a solid start yesterday. After the safety briefing, Ranger Tom gave us an introduction to the ancient art of hedgelaying: an ancient method to create natural barriers for wildlife and allow smaller animals to hide or travel along a safe corridor without being exposed to danger.

This is done by "pleaching" or laying down the 7 yr old trees which were planted for this purpose. The trees are pleached (partially cut and bent), laid down, held in place with "weaving" the intertwining the branches, held in place with stakes. Finally covered with "brash" (bush and branches which are cut away to make room for the hedge) to prevent deer from eating the young shoots on the hedge.

So much to learn! Such a fascinating practice and fun as well!

We divided ourselves into groups: Angela, Viv, Diya and Nick tried their hand at pleaching. It was surprisingly nerve-wracking because you didn't want to be the one who cut through the whole thing killing the tree! Sheila, Kanika and Juli worked with Jane in weaving the hedge. The huge mallet for the stakes was a crowd favourite! Diya later worked with Ranger Rosie to cut branches to size and turn them into stakes while Nick tried his hand at the stakes as well.

2 hours flew by and while some of us left at different times, Sheila stayed for the whole session, even recruiting Jane for GoodGym. Welcome Jane!

We'll be going back on 31st Jan/1st Feb, be sure to come along.

Four GoodGymers met at Tectonic Place in Holyport to help wash minibuses of the local charity, People to Places, who provide transport for the elderly and less mobile. When we arrived, task owners Clive and Mark had already started; we took over and finished up the 1 remaining side. So technically we did ¼ of the 1st bus!

We quickly got into an efficient routine with one person hosing down the bus, allowing for some soapy brush and sponge action by the other 3. Sol even provided "mechanical support" when one of the wipers came off. We washed 4 buses and could've done one more if they had any left!

Overall, a hugely satisfying task 🧹🧼🫧🧺🧽🧹🧼🧹🪣

Inspired by Sheila's very Ghostbusters-esq photo, I present to you, the... Litter Busters! (thanks ChatGPT)

Trash on the sidewalk, bottles by the wall,

Wrappers in the bushes, having a ball?

Grab your bag and gloves, stand proud and tall,

Who you gonna call? Litter Busters!

From parks to lanes, streets big and small,

We clean it together, answering the call.

Making spaces better for one and for all,

Who you gonna call? Litter Busters! 🧹✨