Volunteered at Hackney Night Shelter

We were back at Stoke Newington Common today, this time watering the young trees planted previously in the year and mulched at the weekend. One GoodGymer joined the Stoke Newington Users Group (SNUG) volunteers to get the job done.

The trolley full or containers was filled with water and the group set off to the furthest away trees, which needed 3 containers of water each. After a refill, the next batch of thirsty trees were tended to. Thereafter, it was time to water the youngest of the trees - those planted earlier this year and still in their protective plastic tubing. They needed just 1/3 of a container each but there were about ten times as many, so there were several trips back and forth to the water tap to refill the containers again. And again....

After 1.5, all trees were hydrated and it was time for the group to head home for some refreshments of their own.

The community garden at the Hoxton Trust is looking lovely at this time of year. This is thanks to the rich nutrient-packed compost that Eslam has been making with the help of GoodGym. Nathan and Eslam spent a sunny Sunday morning preparing the next batch. First, fresh garden cuttings were added to the newest pile. Then, the older piles were turned over using forks and shovels. This helps the sticks, leaves and other organic matter to break down. Coffee husks were added to the piles to help make the compost more nutritious, whilst also helping local businesses giving back resources to communitie. All of the compost piles were given a healthy shower of water to create a moist environment for the creepy crawlies, worms and microbes to thrive. These creatures have been doing a good job so far and we already have some rich brown mulch that will make for some great compost in the future.

The sun came out just for us on this early morning mission. In my marshall spot, I even had a dog companion for a bit of the run - cheering the energetic children to the finish line!

The Stoke Newington Common Users Group (SNUG) were back out on the common today, mulching young trees ahead of the dry summer days. One GoodGymer went along to lend a hand.

Before the group could get started, they needed to collect wheelbarrows, spades and shears from Abney Park Cemetery. From there, the volunteers proceeded across to Stoke Newington Common and the mulch pile. The target was to distribute ALL the mulch by the end of the session.

With barrows filled, the group systematically visited the young trees, weeding around the roots before piling on the mulch - one barrow per tree. Having planted lots of young trees earlier in the year, there was plenty to do, requiring multiple trips back and the forth to the mulch pile.

Within 2 hours, the mulch pile was no more, all the trees were protected and the group were able to get away home before the rain came on.

I am pleased to report that the mission was indeed successful.

Upon my arrival, Miss F. expressed surprise that I was the only volunteer, as she had anticipated that this would be a task requiring two people. However, with Miss F.'s helpful assistance, we were able to accomplish all that needed to be done. I am very happy that we managed to finish the work.