Sometimes you plan on going to task. Sometimes you just happen to walk there with other Goodgymers simply because you weren't 100% certain of your best way home after ParkRun. And whose is to complain!

In any case, beyond the social butterfly that I am, 6 proper, reliable and dedicated GoodGymers were in attendance this morning at Harvard Hill: Michelle, Ariane, Alan, Chris, Kymm and Maxime.

Shortly after our arrival, the team of local neighbours, cultivate and abundance london got us not 1, not 2 but 300! young native trees to plant alongside the back wall of the park currently bare with the exception of some old graffitis.

We were tasked to plant those in some sort of V shape with the aim of producing a rather natural bush formation by the time they mature.

And so we dug, we planted and we dug and we planted. With the great turnout of local residents as well the task was a great success and even though not all trees were planted by the time we left off the whole wall area was covered and some more trees ended up being planted elsewhere.

Having done such a good job, some of us decided to treat ourselves with some brunch (the social butterfly was at it again!)

Now we shall come back soon to Harvard Hill to see how those little trees will have grown!

Eight GoodGym members turned out to help out at Strand on the Green School, even if one of us was late for registration.

We split into two teams and got straight to work around the pond area. One group — Florian, Michelle, Maxime and Chris — took on the tough task of clearing ivy from the wall surrounding the pond, making a big dent in what had become an impressive tangle.

Meanwhile, Lucy, Breda, Emily and Gus (once he eventually made it through the school gates — detention!!) got stuck into scrubbing the deck around the pond. Extra care was taken not to disturb the pond life, proving that speed and sensitivity can go hand in hand.

Armed with headtorches and running lights, we worked quick as a flash. Before long the jobs were done, it was time to run back, squeeze in some light stretches, and then — naturally — head to the pub.

Coming up this Saturday in Hounslow:

Our rearranged community mission with Friends of Harvard Hill, planting donated trees 🌱 https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/tree-planting-session-at-harvard-hill

A session helping out at Baron's pond in Gunnersbury https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/help-get-baron-s-ponds-ready-for-spring

Plenty more chances to get involved — hope to see lots of you there!