GoodGymers Mark and Linda found a satisfying way of using surplus woodchip at Blenheim Arpley Estate when we spotted 25 recently planted saplings in need of tender loving care. The slender young trees – currently ‘sleeping’ before springtime arrives – all had protective guards but, after struggling to grow during last year’s heatwaves, several had become weakened or uprooted. Working with a small but mighty team of local residents, we used shovels and wheelbarrows to add a generous circle of mulch around each sapling to enrich the soil and prevent evaporation, holding important moisture around their roots over coming weeks. Special shout out to the youngest member of the crew who enthusiastically tackled all tasks… replanting stricken trees, replacing missing stakes and guards, adding mulch… and even had energy left for litter picking. Other areas of the community garden also received a tidy covering of woodchip and we will be back another time soon to finish shifting the rest of the pile. Smashing effort everyone!