On a crisp autumn morning with a gorgeous mix of cloud and sun, four of us gathered at Usk Street Allotments to lend a hand on their wildlife plot. The air was fresh and the perfect Sunday setting for a bit of outdoor graft.

Our mission? To tidy up the wildlife plot and get it looking its best before the colder months set in. That meant plenty of weeding, clearing nettles, and trimming the edges that had encroached onto the surrounding pavement - with a fair bit of log moving thrown in for good measure!

The sunshine made for a brilliant atmosphere, and even though one quarter of the team might have been feeling the after-effects of a Halloween party the night before, spirits were high. Between tugging at stubborn roots and ferrying logs to neaten up the borders, there was no shortage of teamwork or laughter. By the end, the plot edges were looking sharp, and we had cleared a strip ready and waiting for some beautiful new roses to go in soon.

With good company and plenty of banter, even the most stubborn weeds didn’t stand a chance - or stop us turning the morning into a bit of a sitcom.

Allotments like Usk Street are such an asset to the community - providing a green haven for local residents, a home for wildlife, and a space to grow, relax, and connect. But keeping them in good shape takes ongoing care, so it was great to contribute to that effort. A big thank you to Katherine for welcoming us and showing us what needed doing. The wildlife plot is now looking so much tidier and more inviting - a small but satisfying difference made on a gorgeous autumn day.