The second Tuesday of July saw four GoodGymers assembling at Bodyline Fitness in Ealing Broadway for a run to Hanwell, led by Steph Ducat. Today's run leader was joined not only by the regulars: Freya, Harvey and Sevan, but also by a special guest, Bassam Mahfouz. While not everyone might know that Bassam is a keen runner and a volunteer, many residents recognise him as a Member of the London Assembly for Ealing and Hillingdon, currently focusing on matters such as environment and transport. When the five ran through Ealing, every time they stopped, someone said hello to Bassam.

The team arrived at Wharncliffe Viaduct to meet the task owner Dee from the William Hobbayne Charity, who looked after the Half Acre Woods. Kash, who walked to the task, was already there. Dee, concerned about the mosquitos lurking in the woods, offered the GoodGymers an unassuming lotion in spray, reportedly used by the Forest School people to repel insects. We think the mysterious mist has worked as by the end of the task, we've earned only plant-based stings from nettles.

Today's job was the summer classic task - something we had done almost exactly a year ago - cutting back the overgrowth on the path along the viaduct. Harvey and Steph tackled the brambles and nettles encroaching on the entrance to the woods from the Station Approach road, and Bassam, Freya, Sevan and Kash dealt with the growth on the River Brent side. Dee swapped shears for a litter picker and collected cans, bottles and even dog poo bags revealed by the chopping squad.

While we worked to widen the path, passers-by genuinely appreciated what we've done. Walkers, runners, parents with a pushchair, and an exceptionally grateful cyclist enjoyed using the path, no longer worrying about being caught by a rogue bramble. Even without all the thank-yous we heard, we could tell that in just one hour we were making a visible difference in the local community.

Next week, we will be back in Hanwell, again helping the William Hobbayne Charity with cutting back undesirable plants. Don't worry, the brambles and nettles in the woods won't grow back that fast. We will be tackling the area we started clearing last month in the Hobbayne Community Gardens. Join us next week!