I have been taking part in the Big Garden Bird Watch for quite a few years now.

As usual this year the birds did not behave and show up when I needed them to!

In 2021, the Covid lockdown time, my Uncle and I (who was in my bubble) sat, 2 metres apart, for an hour in my conservatory expecting to record the usual finches, robins, sparrows and variety of tits that visit the feeder. But nope. Nothing. Niche. Nadda. No visitors. It was raining but that was the allotted time so we went ahead.

2 photos of the garden with no birds for context. 😁 (taken last summer)

This year I saw one small great tit hop in the feeder and that was all. But just as I was about to conclude the hour a huge heron took to the sky from a garden two doors down. They have carp in a big pond and he was no doubt stalking those. They are thankfully covered in tough mesh to protect them. Should I fib and say it landed? The rules state that you can’t record a sighting unless the bird actually lands in your garden. So another year of frustrating non sightings of my garden friends.

But I shall be back next year. Even if just to sit, still my mind, relax and think of nothing else for an hour.

After Susan staying in bed longer this morning and a call from Sarah we eventually all got together at the Welling Library for a good tidy up session.

It had been tipping down with rain but miraculously stopped once we got stuck into weeding, litter picking and sweeping the area to make it look respectable again.

It didn't take long to get the outside looking smart but a lot of rubbish was collected including lots of items on the bingo card! We all felt satisfied at our achievement!

Well done everyone who attended! It just shows how great you are!

Of course our reward was waiting for us in Devi's Corner with the obligatory coffees, hot chocolates and chat. A great way to spend a Sunday morning.

It was grey, there was rain and there was mud, but that didn't stop 76 young runners with their parents showing up to do the 2k route at Eltham Park junior parkrun.

GoodGymers Peter, Sarah and Johnny joined the volunteers helping to make the even happen.

Peter was in his favourite timekeeping role ⏱️. Johnny and Sarah were at 'the big tree', offering high fives 👋 and plenty of cheering.

Helping at junior parkrun - even in the rain - is such a feel-good way to start a Sunday. We have have two options each week - Eltham Park and Lesnes Abbey Woods - so why not give it a go?

We visit the Community Hospice once a month to support their head gardener, Jason, with gardening and general maintenance in the beautiful grounds. Today we were also joined by Denise, one of Jason’s dedicated midweek gardening volunteers.

After collecting tools from the shed, we got to work digging, planting and watering to settle five peony plants into their new home. With luck they'll bloom later in the year so we can enjoy the results of our work.

We moved on to some weeding, gently picking out the unloved plants without disturbing the soil too much.

Then we grabbed saws, loppers and secateurs to take out rampant lilac bushes and brambles in an area being prepared for future planting.

Before we knew it, our time was up. We returned the tools to the shed with the feeling of a great workout and an even better sense of achievement.

If you can spare a couple of hours on the fourth Saturday of the month, come and join us for an active session in great company. You’ll be helping to make a real difference while supporting a fantastic local charity.