Harvest@Home have a new allotment plot in South Oxford to use both to grow food for Cherwell Larder and to teach larder users how to grow their own fresh produce. The snag in the plan is that the plot has been unused for years and so the grass and brambles have now reached head height. Our challenge was to tame the wilderness! 17 GoodGymers, a car load of tools, and 1.5 hours; sounds doable.

We cut paths through the long grass to access the shed and swing/climbing frame, laid down weed-suppressing tarpaulins, unearthed glass and loads of junk hidden away all over the plot. Determined teams dismantled wire fencing which had become embedded in the soil and enmeshed in the long grass (a very difficult task!), while others unearthed the compost heap and weeded and lopped away, rediscovering the plot sign in the process.

The GoodGym flash mob treatment resulted in significant transformation of the allotment plot, which was very satisfying and made the hayfever snuffles just about bearable.

The next steps will be clearing more of the long grass (a strimmer may be required), laying cardboard down for further weed suppression, and getting started on some no-dig gardening.

Well done to Hattie on doing your 10th Good Deed - rather warmer and sunnier than your first one!