We started by splitting into three groups, team rake, team weed and team compost. The council had recently cut the grass so David ad Rebecca managed to rake and take a lot of the cuttings from the main part of the garden to the compost heap. Cara and Laura rescued the compost bins which were spilling out in a big heap as the panels had come off the front. We cleared all the compost from the front of the bins, reset the log walkway and used the logs to wedge the fronts back on where they were too warped to slot in properly. The weeds were also coming up in the beds again so Claire and Paul managed to tidy them up and take out some of the large plants that had fallen over. Rebecca, Cara and Laura then helped out with the weeding while David finished the raking.

Didn't we have a lovely time the day we went to Pool Bridge?! Yes we did! We met at the car park. Some of us arrived by bike. We decided to split into a walking group and a slow run group. The weather had cooled to make it easier to run in, but there was a hazy atmosphere - apparently due to the fires on the North York Moors. We had a slow trot up the Bridleway, and round for 5km. Vicky and Issy had decided to meet us at the picnic. Using a high tech piece of kit (pointing at a map) we chose our spot and found each other. Although the site was busy, everyone spreads out. Jenna showed new folk around, then it was a wriggle under towels for well earned dip in the Q lake. Sooo good for aching muscles and a hard working week. Well done Claire for getting back in the water after a few years! We were treated to the Griffs' matching robes, as we tucked into our picnic. Ducks joined us, well rehearsed in how to pick up tit bits. Cara, Tristan and Issy enjoyed more than one dip in the other ponds. And just as we packed up to leave, the reluctant sun came out! Apart from that, it all went swimmingly!

Four characters entered the stage, the scene; a jungle of vines and creepers. Their mission, to clear a path through to the forgotten olive groves. They set to, with the help of manager Tom, cutting, weeding, slashing and untangling their way. Some creepers had attached itself to the gravel in a fascinating way. But there was no time to stop. The plot thickened -towards the back. The explorers discovered hidden treasures, flower pots, a bike wheel and some garden tools. Finally they had succeeded. They made it to the shady groves. Peace restored. What a wonderful oasis it makes! To be continued....Act 2 next week. Take a bow team. Bravo!

Another bumper turnout tonight to help rake grass at Millennium fields.

We started by naming and numbering off, welcoming new members back again, and saying a big warm welcome to Lionel who has returned after a break.

Mitch led the group out with Abigail, James and Abi leading a walking group.

When we arrived we were given several jobs - rake up the grass, pile it into bags or onto tarps, drag to the compost and make some sort of compost/grass lasagne. A select few also had a go at sything!

We managed to clear all the grass in the time and finished off with a quick game of whistleblower.

It was then back to base when a group then headed off for some well earned liquid refreshment!

Cinder Track parkrun

slow up run, fast down run

Bacon Butty yumminess

Bus - very lateness

Robin Hoods Bay clifftop walk - many steps

Whitby Brewery

Mini Cheddar cascade - much sad making

Beers - very happiness

Great to introduce folk to the York GG Tiny Forest. Despite the option of either weeding the edge of the forest to stop the grass intruding and taking the vital nutrients from the baby trees or taking artistic photos for sharing on socials, astonishingly all opted to weed. The Tiny Forest that York GG has created on Kimberlow Hill is there for all to enjoy. It was started in winter 2023 when we enriched the earth with compost. In spring 2024 over 600 saplings were dunked in mycorrhizal fungi and planted. The rest of that year was spent weeding and mulching. Despite the drought in 2025, the trees are all looking verdant and growing magnificently. If you feel like going back sometime, look out for sessions or post something on the social chat. It's a great place to connect with nature, watch the butterflies and have a picnic!

It was wonderful to see so many York GGers out & about on a summer evening. Despite the promise of plenty of bike racks - they were full, luckily everyone found somewhere to lock their bike. David led Nick & Steve out on an 11k route around Heslington. As they romped around the fields they managed to fit in some wildlife safari spotting including hare & various raptors. 🦅 Laura led the 5k runners. Not allowing any sneaky short cuts! She avoided the roads & we had lovely tracks through the green countryside. Abigail led the walkers with perfect timing, arriving at the Tiny Forest task just before the 5k runners. She even managed to gain a couple of runners who preferred to walk back to the pub. Something for everyone at GG York! 😉 Particular thanks to David, Laura & Abigail for sorting out routes & leading groups. It was good to explore some new routes. Whilst waiting for the food we had a quick quiz - all in aid of offloading a glut of cucumbers! who would like to see the Vienna Vegetable Orchestra? In no time at all the food appeared & was polished off. Tristan made an appearance, after having completed his 5k in under 18 minutes - extremely impressive. Thankyou all for coming, hope you enjoyed the evening as much as I did.