Since GoodGymers totally obliterated the woodchip pile next to the Ealing Transition Orchard in February, Lammas Enclosure hasn't seen a new mulch delivery until said GoodGymers put themselves forward for a special mulching task. Having practised woodchopping tree saplings in Walpole Park during winter, they were ready to spread a decent layer of chips in the hidden part of the Transition Garden.

The team of five: Harvey, Kaja, Steph Ducat, Sevan and Kash found and opened a secret gate to the newly planted area - something like the wardrobe leading to Narnia - just with a fox in place of the lion.

It was the first session for Kaja, who astonished everyone with how prepared she was. Not only did she bring gardening gloves, but, noticing a few brambles obstructing the way, she quickly pulled her own pair of cutters and snipped the thorny stems. Impressive! Welcome to GoodGym, Kaja.

The fresh woodchip pile delivered for the mulching task, when disturbed with shovels, released an abundance of steam and a cherry liquor aroma. If you asked Steph, though, he'd tell you the scent was more like black forest cake.

Regardless of how good (or how bad, according to those who didn't enjoy the booze-like fermented notes) the woodchip smelled, by the end of the session, the heap disappeared. Once again, GoodGym destroyed the whole mulch pile in one go, and laid a good woodchip cover in the whole area of planted whips. Fantastic work, everyone!

Next week, we are staying near Ealing Broadway again, and - after an optional hill running session - we are litter picking at Haven Green, as part of LAGER Can's Great British Spring Clean. Steph, who is leading the session, would welcome a few more hands to cover the area. Sign up and make it happen!

Goodgymers from several areas counted and logged their use of hard and soft plastic, ready to be added and used to the survey. This is to see how our environment is impacted.