An amazing 10 GoodGymers joined other volunteers to continue hedge-laying on the edge of Battlemead Common. Many had returned after really enjoying the task a fortnight ago. We all got to grips with learning some new skills - pleaching, laying, weaving, facing off, and whittling stakes. Welcome to Emma, who joined Goodgym after coinciding with us for the 3rd time! Well done to everyone for getting stuck in and helping to create a habitat that will be there for decades to come. Kudos to Jen, Mick and Jane for fitting in Park Run first, and double kudos to Mick and Jane for staying all day

Hedgelaying at Battlemead Common was a quintessential GoodGym experience - outdoor, active, social and an opportunity to learn new skills. On a mild winter morning, seven GoodGymers met Braywick Rangers, WildCookham and local conservation volunteers to lay part of the wildlife hedge at Battlemead, along the Thames Path.

Today was day 2 of this activity and many present had already made a solid start yesterday. After the safety briefing, Ranger Tom gave us an introduction to hedgelaying: an ancient method to create natural barriers for wildlife and allow smaller animals to hide or travel along a safe corridor without being exposed to danger.

This is done by "pleaching" or laying down the 7 yr old trees which were planted for this purpose, making it a living structure! The trees are pleached (partially cut and bent), laid down, held in place with "weaving" the intertwining branches, held in place with stakes. Finally covered with "brash" (bush and branches which are cut away to make room to build the hedge) to prevent deer from eating berries and young shoots which will cover it soon.

So much to learn! Such a fascinating practice and fun as well!

We divided ourselves into groups: Angela, Viv, Diya and Nick tried their hand at pleaching. It was surprisingly nerve-wracking because you didn't want to be the one who cut through the whole thing killing the tree! Sheila, Kanika and Juli worked with Jane in weaving the hedge. The huge mallet for the stakes was a crowd favourite! Diya later worked with Ranger Rosie to cut branches to size and turn into stakes while Nick tried his hand at the stakes as well.

2 hours flew by and while some of us left at different times, Sheila stayed for the whole session, even recruiting Jane for GoodGym. Welcome Jane!

We'll be going back on 31st Jan/1st Feb, be sure to come along.

On a beautifully sunny, but chilly, morning, Georgeta , Sue and Sheila joined about 10 other volunteers at Ockwells Park for a community orchard pruning session. Rosie, one of the Rangers, took us through all the things to consider when pruning a fruit tree to enable the fruit to grow well. And then we were let loose on the trees! We divided into groups and each tackled a tree. With guidance from Rosie our confidence grew, and we piled up the cut branches under each tree. We certainly learned a lot and several of the apple trees are now in much better shape for next season. We can't wait until next autumn when we can taste the fruits of our labour!