JP

A lovely sunny Saturday morning saw 6 cheery GGers gather on the Ham Lands for Sufiyo’s last mission before her move back to her native Sweden.

The tasks at hand were multiple, but we started with the heaviest work which was piling up mulch into 2 massive piles. It was hard work, aided by rakes, forks and a pitchfork wielded by farmer Sal and made more difficult (and painful) by regular scratches from the brambles in and around the mulch.

Once we had finished dealing with our piles, we forked off into smaller groups to deal with other tables. Firstly, we moved a load of tree branches, before dividing between a group of litter pickers (who headed off into the trees to find trash) and a group of bramble choppers.

The weather was scorchio at times so the water break was welcome and we were grateful to be working in the shade of the trees for the second part of the task.

We bid a fond farewell to Sufiyo and headed our various directions to enjoy the rest of the lovely weekend.

Monday evening's community mission in Petersham Common was satisfying in more ways than one!

To begin with, what a treet it was to meet a few of the GGers on Richmond Green so we could run together to the task! (Just like the old days :) And what a glorious evening it was for a gentle trot along the river to help out our friends at Petersham Common Conservators.

When we arrived, slightly out of breath and with the unmistakable 'glow' (read:sweat) one gets from running uphill on a hot and sticky summer evening, we were greeted by task owner Kath who explained what needed to be done and provided all the necessary materials and tools.

After donning our gloves, we all got stuck into the task at hand, which was to plant as many sweet chestnut and crab apple trees as we could fit into a clearing halfway up the hill in the common, as well as making room for a tray-full of wildflower plugs that needed to find a home there too!

An hour later, we had slot-planted tens of trees and a similar number of wildflowers which will form a lush natural habitat to support the flora and fauna in the common. Can't wait to see the fruits of our labour!

And the satisfactree streek didn't end there! Being the first Monday of the month meant that we had a post-mission social to look forward to. So after returning the tools and bidding Kath a good night, some of us ran back to the Tap in Richmond for a refreshing beverage, while a couple of others made their way back home.

All in all, a good run and a great task with wonderful people - who could ask for more!