It was a beautiful evening for a good-sized group of GoodGymers to join Margaret and Ash on the Hollybush Estate last night.

We were once again working in Rocky Park, on the continuation of the overhaul of the community growing site.

(Only recently the Rocky Park Urban Growers were winners of the Tower Hamlets in Bloom award - see trophy in group pic).

Marvelling at how much Margaret and Ash have achieved in the short time since our last visit, we were soon dispatched to four sites across the small area to shovel soil before depositing into newly constructed planters.

Working in small groups of 2 and 3, it was an active, productive and very sociable hour.

After posing for the final picture complete with trophy, we gathered to celebrate Ilana’s birthday with John's phenomenal cake, and Lucinda's mysterious candles, before heading to the pub to continue the celebrations.

We return to Hollybush at the start of June for a Friday night special!

What a beautiful morning greeted us on the Ham Lands this Saturday for our monthly contribution to the preservation of the nature reserve.

3 Richmond regulars were joined by Luis from GG Hounslow for our task, which this time was to uproot and cut back the Giant Dock growing out of control in the central part of the Ham Lands.

Armed with pick axes and loppers we set to work, enjoying the warm sunshine and beauty of the habitat. Sharon and Mark from the FOHL were also there and we made good progress getting rid of as many of the wild plants as possible to stop them spreading their seeds and gaining further territory.

Once our work was done we had a quick cuppa, then headed over to the Swiss Bakery for iced coffee and snacks.

Next up for the Ham Lands will be the session on 14th June - sign up here: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/goodgym-richmond-helping-the-happy-ham-landers-3f40f5bb-6c96-456a-af92-8cac87317b96