Isle of Wight Green Gym - Official Blog.: July 2019

Wednesday 31 July 2019

Wed 31st July 2019 - Morton Marsh, Sandown. GG # 796.

Alison's Photographs.

A small, but select, group of us met at Morton Marsh to help HIWWT manage their Himalayan Balsam. We were guided to the first area of reeds where both the reeds and the HB were well over our heads – it had quite a ‘jungle-y’ atmosphere. It proved harder than normal to pull the HB as the ground was so dry and the stems several inches thick and very sturdy. We then moved further along the site where there was a considerable amount of HB requiring attention. HIWWT may well cut that which we did not pull, so that the seed will not spread and keep cutting until the end of the season when the plant (as an annual) will die. Although a small group, we did make a difference and it was satisfying to see the amount of pink flowers reduced by the end of the session.

Many thanks to Alison for the photographs AND the editorial. Perhaps the GG blog has found a deputy photographer/editor..???? 😀

Wednesday 24 July 2019

Wed 24th July 2019 - Red Cliff Beach, Yaverland. GG # 795.

Terry's Photographs.

As you approach the beach from the carpark,

someone has left a stone...that says it all..!

Keeping the fluid levels up...it was a HOT day.

How does a first motion shaft from a gear box end up

on a beach..???

Tea break on the shore.

A rather larger item....

with a long way to carry it back.

Broken glass...not good for bare feet on the beach.

Some items go for re-cycling.

Expanded polystyrene foam.

Not a bad morning's work..!

After receiving some detailed instructions from Mark, via e-mails, we assembled at the designated car park all wearing the correct clothing and foot ware! For once, the IoW Council had decided that as volunteers we did NOT have to pay the parking charges...well done Mark for negotiating this 😀

Over the years Green Gymers have done many a beach clean but this was the first along this particular shoreline. There really isn't a whole lot you can write about picking up litter from a beach....you just grab a bag and litter picker...then off you go. The excellent photos above (thanks to Terry) show what we did and also the stunning back drop. We decided it was a good idea NOT to work at the foot of the cliff, due to the fear of land slippage after the torrential rains of the previous night. It would be fair to say that the amount of litter collected was minimal compared to the amount we get from Watershoot Bay - but every little bit helps with the battle to keep or beaches clear of litter.

In light of the distance travelled from the car park, it was decided that everyone would transport their own supplies and tea break was held at the far end of the beach. Wide brimmed hats, factor 30 sun screen and weaver fish proof foot ware was the order of the day with the temperature reaching just short of 30 degrees C.

Thursday 18 July 2019

Queen's Award for Voluntary Service - 10 year anniversary.

Hi Everyone,

To all our Green Gymers, past and present.

I want to remind you that 10 Years ago today our group were recipients of a special honour - The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service - and it was a very proud moment indeed. We don't go on about it, but there it is, we achieved this honour through I guess our dogged determination, our staying power and for what we succeed in doing week after week across the Island we love. Looking after the environments we work within, and giving a helping hand to communities, whilst hopefully keeping trim(ish), having a laugh and raising all our spirits!

Huge thanks to everyone for all we have accomplished over the years.

.. Long may it continue.

Mark

Mark Russell