The August conservation day at Grove Farm felt like a proper summer day, after a bit chillier week. Four GoodGymers: Steph, Sevan, Maxime and Kash, were back to continue cutting back the thorny shrubs alongside the lane dividing the woodlands from the meadows at Grove Farm. They met Friends of Grove Farm: Mike, Bharti, Fred and Olena, who was back after a study break. The team of eight started where some of them had finished at the July session.

Ninety minutes of intense trimming, raking and litter picking made a significant difference and left the lane looking tidy and refreshed. As per Mike's suggestion, we have left the plants with berries not cut to make sure the woodland animals would have enough food for the winter months.

We will be back at Grove Farm in September for more conservation work - save the date and sign up now!

On a warm evening, we made our way on foot and by bike to lend a hand in caring for the historic cedar trees at Chiswick House and Gardens.

With the lawns showing the strain of recent summer heatwaves, our task was to refresh the bases of the trees with a protective layer of woodchip.

We got into an easy rhythm of spreading and chatting and levelled two piles around the large cedar.

Just in time, Lucy arrived to lend a hand and orchestrate the all-important group photo at the end.

With the final barrow emptied it was time to head to the pub to raise a glass on the eve of Remy's birthday, and tuck into another much heralded birthday cake made by Eloise. So good Emily hot footed it across London to try some.

Happy Birthday Remy!