It was great to welcome two new visitors to the orchard today as Sophie and Steve joined us for the first time.

Our task was bramble-based once again as we looked to consolidate the gains made previously in reclaiming some of the overgrown space to plant new fruit trees. This time we continued to use shears and rakes to cut back any remaining growth and prevent it falling back to the ground where it could rot and provide nutrients for new bramble growth. Hopefully some of the wildflower seeds we planted previously will flourish instead!

We covered a lot of ground before the rain once again set in. Everyone showed great determination in braving the downpour before we finally retreated under the trees for some much appreciated hot coffee. Martin also gave out a few of the lovely new Manor Woods Valley calendars!

Great to be back at the Northern Slopes in 2023. The weather was a little undecided but not bad enough to stop us from making a fresh start on our wildflower patch.

We had two newcomers to goodgym too! Steve who is a one man litter picking army, and Arnie, who got into the swing of things quickly with the scythe. Awesome to have you both with us!

The plan was to cut down the creeping brambles and grasses to allow new species of wildflowers to bloom this spring. Between myself, Dave, Richard and Arnie nearly half the meadow was cleared, regardless of my sabotage attempt by breaking a scythe.

We also had Alice clearing the tunnel with loppers, where I did take the coolest photo of her, ever, but my phone said no and couldn't save it. Sorry!

Great start to our new year out on the slopes, thanks for coming everyone! See you next month!