Wednesday 22nd April 2026 - The Duver & Priory Bay, St Helens GG #1077

 Terry's photos

We battled a Force 6 wind this week on our visit to the Duver and Priory Bay, St Helens, to undertake another litter pick.  The wind meant we had to keep a tight hold on our rubbish bags!  As is our custom we started on the Duver.  Some areas had been cleared of gorse and undergrowth over the winter period and, unsurprisingly, there was quite a lot of litter caught beneath the remnants of the plants.  After tea break, we moved onto the beach where a survey for the Marine Conservation Society was conducted over a 100 metre stretch.  GG-ers then moved along to Priory Bay.  Along with the usual plastic rubbish and glass we found long lengths of fishing rope – some of which may be re-purposed.  At the end of the session, the rubbish was removed by Brighstone Landscaping.

Thanks go to Baywatch on the Beach Café for sponsoring this session, Brighstone Landscaping for rubbish collection and to Terry for the photos.

 

Wednesday 15th April 2026 - Mountbatten Hospice, Newport (Part 2) GG #1076

 Terry's photos

We returned to Mountbatten Hospice this week to continue helping the garden team with the management of their lovely site.  The GG team split into two groups.  One group returned to the new flowerbed created last week and continued clearing the ground.  It was hard work!  Large stones, debris, bindweed and bramble roots were dug out.  Towards the end of the session cardboard was laid down to help keep the area weed free until planting starts.  The second group worked on a beech hedge which was planted as a screen in an area between clinic rooms and bedrooms to help maintain privacy. 

Thank you to Mark for funding the session and to the Mountbatten Garden Team for providing the refreshments.

Wednesday 8th April 2026 - Mountbatten Hospice, Newport GG #1075

 Terry's photos

Starting to clear the overgrown area

Clearing bramble in the car park

All clear - well done!

Last visited in August 2024, we returned this week to the Mountbatten Isle of Wight Hospice.  The GG team split into two groups with one group working in the car park removing the overhanging brambles from the boundary wall, preventing the brambles from encroaching into the parking spaces.

The second group were working on a very challenging area adjacent to the buildings.  This area had become overgrown with mature shrubs and was looking very tired and shabby.  The plan was to clear it completely and prepare it for the Mountbatten garden team to grow flowers for cutting.  The stumps of the shrubs required serious attention from mattock wielding GG-ers.  Ivy also had to be pulled up from the ground and off the walls. 

GG-ers enjoyed the fabulous weather today – the warmest day of the year so far and a welcome change in conditions.

Thank you to Mark for funding the session (and the refreshments) and to Terry for the photos.

Wednesday 1st April 2026 - Flowers Brook, Ventnor GG #1074

 Terry's photos

Black poplar (Populus nigra) flowers

We returned this week to lovely Flowers Brook to help the volunteers from the Ventnor Enhancement Fund prepare the site for the forthcoming  Ventnor Easter Duck Race.

We helped to clear the brook of any encroaching plants and cut back a few areas along the bank so that the brook can be seen more clearly.  At the bottom of the brook adjacent to the pool a few of the team cut back the Russian vine which is always threatening to overtake the area.  After tea break we worked along the path which goes to Steephill Cove cutting back the brambles and old man’s beard that had grown over and along the handrail. 

This beautiful site was very busy today and there was a constant stream of families and dog walkers enjoying the area, some of whom expressed an interest in our efforts which is always appreciated.

Thank you to Terry for the photos.