This evening we headed to one of our favourite spots - Marston Forest Garden. we first visited this site nearly 5 years ago to help dig out MASSIVE bramble roots and it has been gorgeous to watch it grow and thrive over the years.

The plot is now a diverse orchard with a pond, herb garden, fruit trees a-plenty and there have been some new additions recently - lavender and rose bushes.

After a mini tour of the area Isobel set us to work clearing cooch grass from around some of the younger plants and the herb circle. A surprisingly addictive activity, similar to litter picking. You just can't put your trowel down until you've done one more clump!

Fortified by watermelon and stroop waffles we left the beds clearer than when we arrived which is always a very satisfying feeling!

A gaggle of us then set off for our return run with pockets full of fresh mint - thank you for the route Cassy.

Already looking forward to our next visit!

On Wednesday we were asked to help the Oxford Preservation Trust with work at Iffley Glebe.

GLEBE:
noun 1. HISTORICAL a piece of land serving as part of a clergyman's benefice and providing income.

We had a few tasks to take care of:

• Maintaining the ancient wall by weeding all the little plants that start growing in the crevices and end up damaging the wall structure. There were also nettles, sycamore and cottoneaster growing in and beside the wall which needed cutting back or pulling out. This will enable a proper assessment of the wall for repairs to be undertaken.
• A walk around the meadow, moving dead wood on the grass to the edges of the glebe so that as much as possible can be cut.
• Lopping down low hanging branches of trees overhanging the field, so that the tractor can get as close as possible when mowing.

Once suitably covered in bug repellent we set to work, whizzing through the list in record time. The run back to base was a delight, taking in the Thames path, but could have been improved by inhaling slightly fewer midges!

Thanks to Ben for the report title!

An Easter delivery for Mrs H! She doesn't have anything special planned for Easter but doesn't mind having some peace and quiet.

Timekeeping, First Timers, Setup, Closedown and Token Sorting at Florence Park junior parkrun #212. 70 finishers

Funnel Managing at University Parks parkrun after my run. 566 finishers and vomunteers in chicken and bunny outfits for the Easter special. Very glad to finish with a PB finally sub 22mins. Great organisation from everyone so the funnel managing was very minimal and each volunteer even awarded a chocolate egg for our efforts. A great event as always.

Run Directing at Florence Park junior parkrun for Event #213 Easter 2025 special. After collecting Amy's bunny outfit from Uni Parks the day before, I got to don it for today (and what a struggle it was!) Well worth it for the smiles and numerous photos with juniors today. We had 84 finishers, 3 milestone wristbands awarded, and sweet treats! As always huge thanks to thr volunteering team.