An unfortunate event can often result in a good outcome. We were sorry to hear about a break-in at the Oasis Hub community garden at the end of last week. Some kids had leapt the fence and caused trouble and mess by throwing things around, kicking things in and generally being a nuisance without a purpose. Luckily the culprits were caught on camera and were dragged back in to put right what they had undone but their actions had highlighted a need to do something with this underused space.

It just so happens that fellow GoodGymer Ruth is a volunteer at the Hub and so she knew just the team to come and help! There was a great response to the last minute call out with 7 of us arriving to give the gardens a tidy up including first timers Lisa and Andrew. Most of the team were sent into a dense thicket of brambles to begin chopping them down. The sound of snipping shears was interrupted by the occasional yelp as someone got pricked by the vicious undergrowth. Meanwhile the boys were set to task straightening out the kicked in shed, moving some heavy slabs and dragging broken pallets out of the bushes. Great progress was made with the plan to eventually turn the area into a wildlife garden that the local community can make use of and tend to. It will be a lovely addition to the area but there is still a fair bit of work to be done so we will be back soon to carry on cutting. Perhaps with better protective clothing!

Well done everyone for another fantastic GoodGym task!

A few years ago Worcester Environmental Group built a natural play area in a corner of Perdwiswell Park using a collection of interesting logs. With North Worcester Primary Academy nearby it was popular with the children to climb on before or after school. Unfortunately it has been left neglected with the nettles, thistles and undergrowth making it less than appealing to play on. Parent and councillor, Katie Collier asked if GoodGym could give it a good tidy up so of course we said yes!

It was a short run from Perdiswell Leisure Centre which suited most of the group who had tired legs from racing at the weekend. Armed with secateurs, loppers and gloves we cut and pulled our way through the weeds and soon the logs were emerging from the undergrowth and the whole area looked more presentable. The offcuts were gathered to form a dead hedge which will be popular with rodents, birds and invertebrates.

Once we'd finished, there was just one more important task: testing it! Ruth and I demonstrated our balancing skills by walking and jumping along the log run with the obligatory 'tree pose' to finish.

It should be a nice surprise for the children to find after school today.

Despite the recent rain, the plucky saplings at Fort Royal park are still struggling so the GoodGym crew were asked to come and lend a hand.

The run from the Hive served as a chance for Ruth to test out her legs before the Worcester 10k on Sunday while Kirsty arrived by bike. We all met at the top of the hill to see what Karen from Fort Royal Ranger had lined up for us to do.

A blackthorn hedge had been planted near the edges of the park so we carted barrows of water containers down to give them all a drink. Meanwhile Karen #2 brought mulch to be put around the base of each one. These actions combined help to keep the weeds at bay, give the saplings more nutrients and help hold moisture near to the base of the trees. Hopefully they will regain some strength over the next few weeks as the seasons change.

While we were working we got to admire the new mural that is being painted by a very talented artist showing a beautiful blue tit surrounded by flowers. It will be great to see this when it's finished.

There was then one more task left so we refiled the barrows with mulch and pushed them back up to the top of the hill to be met by last minute Liam who had arrived to help out too. He was soon issued a shovel and the mulch was spread beneath a large apple tree.

A fort-ifying experience for us all!