This was Laura's first ever GoodGym task, joining the welcoming Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods for their monthly conservation session.

Everyone met at the Chestnuts kiosk before heading into the woods with a wheelbarrow full of tools, ready to embark on a new project near The Clearing.

The team set about clearing a plot of land where 1,500 hazel saplings will eventually be planted. It's a big task, but once established, the hazel will be coppiced to provide a sustainable source of wood.

The project will not only recreate the way these woods would have been traditionally managed, but also encourage greater biodiversity by creating a more varied understory for insects, birds and other wildlife.

Well done, Laura – it’s great to have you in Team GoodGym Bexley! And we can't wait to help with this woodland transformation in coming sessions.