We were back to Southampton City Farm to help build up Goat Mountain once again. They have been busy setting up some new enclosures and areas so a lovely pile of compacted earth needed shifting. All of us got stuck in filling up the wheelbarrows helped by Danni from the farm. Chris was perfecting his run up ensuring we got all the earth in the right place. Naturally we had a great workout and a little pilates roll down afterwards to help ease out our backs. There will no doubt be another Goat Mountain session to come.

The trusty team of Tarek and Leszek made for a great community project where we picked up almost three bags of litter. A couple of shoutouts were given and many cats were spotted. After we supported the local businesses and a band turned up! Mission four complete!

It was our first Monday evening task of 2025 and we got off to a bang being back at Aldemoor Community Farm with Richard.

Richard always has something new and interesting for us to try and tonight was no different. We were tasked with helping sift and break up compost which was ready to be sorted and bagged to help compost this years plants.

Chris was head of the production line filling all the trays with compost to be sorted. We then had to work through and breakup the compost sorting weeds and wood and BONES(!) into one tray, plastic into another and stones into another.

Once the consistency was about right we then had to use the large sieve machine which was very satisfying! Leszek and Serena expertly handled removing the sieve so we could then start placing the compost into bags.

It was a fun, therapeutic session and we created five bags of compost which we are told Pam the community outreach lady will be very grateful for!

We look forward to returning and helping Richars again soon

We held a small collection for the food bank at Lordshill church this evening - filling a bag of biscuits, teabags and other tinned goods to provide help for those who may need it.

The stylish Finnuala and I had a good session helping the Friends of Peartree Green Nature Reserve clear vegetation along the pathways. Making space for the wild flowers and plants otherwise smothered by the rampant, ever present brambles. A great workout of course and we even managed a quick hot drink and a biscuit. Very welcome as it was a cold, chilly morning. Thank you as always to Phil and all the friends who are always very welcoming and happy to see new faces. Back again later in the month for another session.