This morning’s session with the Friends of Danson Park saw us working in the fledgling community orchard. Last year, we helped plant eight apple trees, which have done remarkably well to survive the drought over the last few months. 🍎🍏

Today, we cut back brambles that were cheekily creeping towards the saplings, then we got stuck into a big pile of wood chippings. The aim was to spread a wide ring around the base of each tree, helping keep the mowers at a safe distance when the orchard's grass is cut.

The five of us, along with the lovely regular FODP volunteers, soon fell into a good system: shovelling chippings into barrows, ferrying them to the trees and raking them into an even layer. It was very satisfying to see the fruits of our labour once we’d finished.

After packing away the tools, we headed to The Stables, where the manager kindly provided tea and coffee and the FODP team supplied the biscuits. A nice way to finish the morning!

It was brilliant to have Beth, Maxine and Dann for their first GoodGym tasks. We hope to see you again soon! 🙌

We’ll be back again next month, probably planting bulbs in the wildflower garden. Then there will be more tree planting to look forward to in November. We're excited to help the orchard grow! 🌳🌳