In the past we have done a couple of missions on the Ham Lands which involved clearing tree suckers, the new growth which sprouts up from the root system around the base of a tree.

(Ordinarily, a tree will always seek to create a balance between its growth above ground and its root system below ground. Suckers are essentially a tree’s attempt to produce more above-ground growth when that balance is disrupted, for example when the tree itself is damaged or has constrained growth.)

Both of the previous missions were written up with the title “So long, suckers” (the second one maybe accompanied by a “2”). And let’s be honest, there is no better title - so out it comes again for this new report.

The task itself was enjoyable and satisfying, with a nice big clump of suckers to remove which the 5 of us tackled with gusto, some clipping the suckers away at the base and others loading up the big sack to carry the waste off to dump in the woods. We then got to work on some brambles with mattocks - seeking in their case to get the whole roots out.

After an hour of quite vigorous work we headed to the Swiss Bakery for delicious coffee and a nice chat. It was great to have Harry back amongst us after a spell, and we look forward to another task in October - sign up here: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/helping-the-happy-ham-landers-7d9e7187-09f0-4535-a025-40b37c6e0552