After a last minute SOS from Earthwatch, we found ourselves back at the Tiny Forest site in Bensham to help spread a big pile of mulch over the clay and soil where all the little trees were planted. It was great to see the progress of the trees in such a relative short space of time.

A massive shout out to Sam and Thomas for the shift they put in after only just returning from their honeymoon (CONGRATULATIONS!!) just a few hours before (a 48 hr journey home at that!), and being fuelled on Easter Egg breakfasts.

I feel at one with the mulch Thomas, Goodgym

With the sun shining, we got stuck in straightaway, with the mountainous pile looking a bit of a daunting task. But we quickly got into a rhythm, and what once looked mulch too mulch, we realised that the mulch gang were going to be winners.

It kind of looks like lava slowing flowing towards us Lorna, Living Woods

In just over two hours, we emptied the last bucket, and the area had been transformed. Not only does it now look mulch nicer, it also gives the trees a mulch better chance of thriving, by keeping weeds away and retaining all the lovely moisture.

We’re going on a treasure hunt… and we’re not scared.

After a fantastic discussion on paragliding in car park of the community run pool and Gym, we headed to the top of the park. I’ll not be surprised if we see Anna flying off the side of a big hill! Our mission started with a litter pick to clear up the area ready for cutting back. The first hour flew by as we filled bag after bag of rubbish. The shrubbery hiding many surprises. Bank cards, gift cards, crystals, car parts, shelving unit, road signs all we were missing was the cuddly toy! As areas were cleared Debs and I started cutting back the bushes.

By coffee break we were surprised by the sheer number of bags we filled. With Tom and Sam’s up coming wedding conversation turned to the topic of stag and hen dos. Home leg and away leg? Party buses or flights? How many pints does a parkrun earn you?

We finished off the morning turning over a flower bed and cleaning up the path around the top entrance to the park.

Apologies that I forgot to take a group photograph.

It was a warm sunny Saturday morning. Sam, Tom and I headed to Nuns Moor Park to help out with some gardening activities.

We dug out a few thistles, fought with some stinging nettles and repotted some bean plants that needed some tlc. There was a dead hedgehog and we gave it a proper burial.

The beds looked much nicer and we removed multiple wheelbarrows worth of weeds.

After a stuttering start spring has definitely arrived in Newcastle this morning, so it was lovely to be helping our friends at Urban Green in North Kenton Park today. Ever present task owner Mike was joined by their new gardener Rosie, who after only two days in the job was definitely thrown in at the deep end!

After a quick litter pick (which sadly could probably have filled our two hours) we got to work on the main task - clearing a stretch of railings ready for painting with a grant hopefully to be awarded by the council soon. Sam and Tom got straight to work, I joined in after filling a bag of rubbish and Max soon joined us after a quick detour to a different park!

The railings were completely covered and entwined with lots of shrubbery. It looked like a difficult task but we had no thoughts of failing! Some of the branches were very spiky so I think Tom’s decision to go for short sleeves left the scratches on his arms ailing!

We worked hard for an hour, assailing the branches with great determination. We were careful as members of the public were using the narrow path, not to leave the cut down branches trailing.

As usual with Urban Green, Mike came prepared with refreshments, of which we were availing ourselves.

After coffee, a glance along the fence confirmed we were sailing through the task, completely nailing it! So we really got stuck in during the second half - there was no way we were bailing before the task was completed! A few local residents were interested in what we were doing and Mike was happy to spend some time with one lady, regaling her with the plans! She seemed quite pleased after surveilling our work!

After hailing our efforts a success, Mike explained a team would use chain saws, scaling the heights of the higher branches. Finally, as we stood back to admire our work, inhaling the fresh air, we left Mike and Rosie flailing to throw a net over the back of the van to keep the branches in place, ready for some to be composted and some to feed the goats in Pets Corner - we wouldn’t want anyone tailing the van to be covered with spiky branches! Take a look at the photos to see the grand unveiling of the fence!

More railing fun in Hodgkin Park tomorrow!

GoodGym Newcastle is five years old this week and what a brilliant way to celebrate with a huge Stepney Bank Stables task tonight.

It was great to welcome new GoodGymer Mina and he really got stuck in! It was great having you along Mina and we can't wait to get to know you.

A big group gathered to do three brush-related jobs for Stepney Bank Stables, but when we arrived at the top yard there was an extra job waiting for us as a delivery of hay was waiting to be shifted into the barn. Sleeves were quickly rolled up to get that job done first. Following that, we broke into three groups: painting in stable walls, sweeping and cobble clearing- something Tom got really stuck into and will undoubtedly leave him with a few aching muscles tomorrow!

This task really showed the difference we can make in a short space of time and task owner Sara was really grateful, so grateful in fact that she brought us a horse to star in our birthday group photo!

Session done and it was off to the pub for home made tiffin and asda made muffins with The Ship Inn's finest pints. I was given a lovely surprise of flowers and a fancy bottle of gin. Thank you! I will stay another five years for treats like these!

Our session next week is on as normal despite the Bank Holiday, so we hope to see you then.