It was a windy morning, and seemed so appropriate to be on a task with the Wildlife Trust on Blows Down. Despite there only being one volunteer signed up, I made my way to team up with the volunteers from the Wildlife Trust who have now got used to seeing one or two red shirts swelling their ranks.

As we got to the site of the task we were joined by two groups of young ladies - they might be new recruits for GoodGym. But I think these beautiful cows were either inquisitive to find out what we were doing, or were hopeful that we might be going to feed them.

We soon started with the task of clearing the scrub. I got busy with loppers and saw, and was thrilled when after raking up large piles of scrub and brambles I was given a pitch fork! Lifting the piles aloft and taking them to the bonfire I felt like an extra from the original Shrek movie. Raking was a bit of a challenge, as the wind was determined to blow the piles of dry clippings in the opposite direction, but it least it meant I got some steps in as well as the upper body workout.

The only problem being on a solo mission is that I am useless at taking selfies, but I managed to get a couple of snaps to show that I was there.

Tigger walked to the task on a cold cloudy morning to assist the Luton and Dunstable conservation volunteers team at Bradgers Hill. Arriving at the site we found a ready made pile of dry wood, thanks to the Goodgym group run effort on the previous Wednesday evening. A roaring fire soon got everyone motivated and happy in their work. This kind of outdoor active task is great for keeping warm, and another opportunity to work with the conservation volunteers this week will be on Friday at Kidney Wood. Kidney Wood Conservation - Looking after Luton's green spaces https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/kidney-wood-conservation-b26fdebf-cd22-46fa-b5fb-61ace9bb6a7e

Tigger made an early start and walked to Dallow Downs via a spell of timekeeping duty at Wardown Junior parkrun. Gill followed shortly after morning service at church, and David arrived for the late morning shift and worked into the afternoon. So throughout their day on Dallow Downs the conservation volunteer team had a steady supply of Goodgym assistance, energy and enthusiasm. The working party cleared, pruned and raked and burned, so by the end of the session a significant area of this open green amenity area had been improved. The skies above us were blazing blue and the views from this spot across to Luton's northern hills are exceptional, we all appreciated the winter sun as we worked.

The conservation volunteer team worked at a spot known as Warden Hill meadow, beside a bridleway known as 'The Slipe'. The location was familiar to Lizzy, as she remembered a previous task here on a snowy day in the depth of winter. On that occasion the icy temperature and bitter winter wind put to the test her commitment to Goodgym. Here she was again today with the sun shining in a blue sky although it was still somewhat chilly to start with. Tigger and she worked tirelessly on the thick thorns and scrub. Overgrown bushes and brambles were cut to the ground and the yellow flags mark the stumps, and by lunchtime the flags were running low, a phenomenal work rate from an enthusiastic and friendly team. There were baked potatoes from the bonfire with butter and cheese, followed by mince pies and a slice of conservation cake with our hot drinks.

After a short walk from the centre of Luton to Riverside Meadow, Tigger was the first volunteer to join Sam from Luton Borough Council, and consequently she was asked to get the bonfire started. Hell Yes ! An accumulated bank of trimmings left from a previous session were collected up and carted to the roaring blaze and the blue sky turned a smoky choky grey. By coffee break the backlog had been dealt with and the team had already made great progress with continuation of the new meadow path. A welcome sociable and enjoyable workout on a gorgeous winter's day.

Next session with the Luton and Dunstable Conservation Volunteers will be this coming Sunday 17th December at Warden Hill. Sign up here

Two GoodGymers teamed up with The Wildlife Trust BCN and conservation volunteers to clear some scrubland. We chopped trees, cut overgrowth, and made a new spot for bonfires. We also helped reinstate a path that had been lost over time to the undergrowth.