Wed 15th Jan 2020 - Bouldnor Forest, Yarmouth. GG # 816.

The sight that greeted us on arrival....

and NO...we didn't cut it all up with a bow saw..!

Mark's Photographs.

A much improved weather situation after we (eventually)

started work.

We were originally scheduled to be working at Sandown Meadows this week, but due to the extreme rainfall experienced recently, it decided prudent that we should be diverted to Bouldnor Forest. Having had overnight weather warnings for heavy rain and high winds, the drive to the session was "interesting" with hedge to hedge flooding on some parts of the main road. Turning off along the forest track, we didn't get very far before being stopped by rather large tree blocking our progress...! Fortunately, the rangers had their chainsaws handy and they made a much quicker job of it than we could have done with our trusty bow saws..! Having said that, we didn't get to the car park until almost 10:45 so it was decided to have an early tea break before heading out to start cutting some gorse and getting a fire going. As can be seen in the photograph above, the weather improved dramatically with the grey leaden sky giving way to patches of blue and some sunshine. Not a well attended session but a huge WELL DONE to those who battled through 👍

Many thanks to Mark for contributing the photographs.

Wed 8th Jan 2020 - Quarr Abbey, Fishbourne/Binstead. GG # 815.

Terry's Photographs.

Mark's Photographs.

Today a good number gathered for the first IWGG of the year, in the estate of Quarr Abbey. A welcome visit, it has been a little while. The mild weather and lovely location along with the excellent task of being able to get stuck in to scrub removal got some favourable comments from the gang.

 The perimeter of the woodland is marked by a drainage ditch, flowing with water not only from the adjacent pasture but also, more interestingly,  runoff from the Abbey roof itself. The clearing of this ditch line was today's job.

Many thanks to Terry and Mark for this week's photographs and to Mark for writing the editorial.

Happy New Year - 2020.

Please do NOT forget that the first GG session of 2020 will be held at Quarr Abbey

 on the 8th January 

Come along and burn off those Crimble cals 😀

Wed 11th Dec 2019 - Munsley Bog, Godshill. GG # 814.

Bob's Photographs.

Lots and lots to rake up.

Guess what..? Munsly Bog is BOGGY...!

Tea break.

Mark's Photographs.

See....I told you we had HAIL...! (read below)

And so to the final GG session of 2019, held at Munsley Bog, Godshill. On the way there I had the car window wipers on full speed which was a good indication of what the weather was going to be like - WET 💦. Although it didn't rain ALL the time, the "showers" were torrential and at one point we even had hail...! The job today was simple enough, just rake up all the previously cut material and pile it on top of the composting areas around the edge of the bog - easy peasy. The area to the north of the board-walk was pretty much cleared by the end of the session and then it was party time. A quick trip around the corner to the Griffin pub and lots of wonderful food (and a welcome warm-up too...!) for the Green Gym Christmas meal.

Many thanks to Mark for sending in his photographs.

All that is left for me to do is to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas plus a BIG Thank You to everyone who has attended during 2019 and we look forward to seeing you next year.

Gizmo wanted me to post this.....

Next Wednesday will be a walk with Phil, starting from Shide at 10:00 am. The first GG session of 2020 will be on the 8th January - at Quarr Abbey. Enjoy the break ....!