This evening, we returned to Aston’s Eyot, a 32-acre nature reserve with public access. It’s a GoodGym favourite, as it almost always involves scything and offers lovely views of the river!

We split into two teams to tackle different sections. Our tasks ranged from using posts to secure log seating and sawing branches to open up the viewpoints, to scything the pathways and lopping back overgrown greenery. Along the way, we enjoyed watching the rowers, kayakers, and swans pass by.

It was the kind of task where we could see the immediate impact of our work. We even got to test out one of the log benches at the end and admire the newly cleared space. We were really pleased to welcome Akshat for their first GoodGym session!

Saturday's Community Mission saw us tackling some much-needed garden maintenance at the HMP Bullingdon's visitor centre. With the heatwave finally drawing to a close, we made the most of the slightly more forgiving weather by giving the newly planted hedging the care it deserved. Our main mission was to weed around each plant, clearing away any unwanted competition so the hedging has the best chance to establish itself.

Once everything was weed-free, we gave the hedging a thorough watering - very much needed after the scorching conditions of the past week. We then finished up by spreading cardboard and mulch around the plants to help lock in moisture and keep future weeds at bay. It was satisfying to leave the area looking tidy and knowing the plants are now set up for success. We like to think the hedging is now on the right root to recovery!

After a warm morning’s work (thankfully the last of the heatwave!), we were treated to some well-earned refreshments; water and fresh strawberries, went down an absolute treat. It was a lovely gesture and gave everyone a chance to cool off in the shade and chat after the session.

Overall, it was a productive and enjoyable hour and a half, with plenty achieved and lots of chat along the way. The garden is already looking much neater, and with a bit of luck - and a splash of rain - the hedging will continue to thrive.

We were delighted to welcome David to his first GoodGym task.

This evening, we returned to Meadow Lane playground to continue our support for the NaturEscape transformation project. We split into two teams to tackle the next tasks. The first team worked on clearing the mesh fencing with bolt cutters, enjoying the satisfaction of completing a job we started last time! By cutting back the fencing and clearing overgrown foliage, the play space has been opened up, allowing children to run freely between the trees. The second team transferred woodchip from below a defunct zip line to a log circle, instantly making the area look more magical and inviting. We learnt that the technique for clearing the woodchip was to ‘scrape not dig’’! We scraped up the woodchip and transported it back and forth in a wheelbarrow. Joe provided some great tips, including to always point your empty wheelbarrow in the direction you’ll travel once it’s full, saving you from maneuvering a heavy load! We were pleased to have Chris back with us, and to warmly welcome Rab for their first session!

My goodness that was HOT!!!!

visiting Aston's Eyot is always a joy, mainly because it always involves scything - relaxing but also quite sweaty work.

This evening's task was clearing an amazing amount of nettles and thistles to start creating more welcoming spaces for pollinators.

Nettles were duly scythed and we discovered that uphill scything in a heat-wave is really rather hard work! Our clearing were then covered with big tarpaulins to help suppress regrowth.

With frequent stops for water and bug spray we made a huge difference. Its always mega satisfying to see quick results!

Well done team, ice creams all round I reckon.