Wed 31st May 2023. St Helens Beach.GG # 936.

 Terry's Photographs.

Quite a collection of litter...!

Sea thrift.

Once again it's time for the annual St Helens beach litter pick.

Many thanks to Terry for the excellent photographs 👏.

Wed 24th May 2023 - Turvilles Field, Totland. GG # 935

Terry's Photographs.

 

Southern Marsh Orchid.

Today we were at the relatively new site (for us) of Turvills Field, Totland.  This site is managed by Gift to Nature and there were several jobs for us to do.  Two clumps of invasive bamboo were removed which took quite a bit of effort with a mattock.  The resulting bamboo canes were processed for use and the brash was left for G2N to dispose of.  There was also some scrap metal that had to be dug out and disposed of.  Habitat piles were made from the large quantity of cut wood left lying about by the tree surgeons.  There were also piles of woodchip left as a result of the tree felling - this was raked up and used to enhance part of the main path.  

It was a beautiful day and the flora and fauna of the site put on a lovely show - there were a lot of orchids in flower - thought to be Southern Marsh Orchids.  There were plenty of butterflies enjoying the sunny glades and a jay was also spotted.

Many thanks to Alison for the editorial and Terry for taking the photographs 👍.

Wed 24th May 2023 - Technical Issues.

 I am sorry that there is no blog published this week, the software used to write it has locked me out due to some technical issue 😡. Trying to resolve this but goodness knows how long (or if) it will take to get back on line.

Wed 17th May 2023 - Riverside Centre, Newport. GG # 934.

 Terry's Photographs.

This week our work was more central, the Riverside Centre in Newport. This venue is an old favourite with Team GG...we have worked here many times over the years! This time we were tasked to give the numerous flower beds and paved areas a good makeover to tidy things up for the summer months. Fortunately, there was a good turnout and excellent progress was made which can be witnessed by the "after" photographs above. Even the weather was on our side with sunny spells throughout 👏.

Derek, one of the GG founder members popped by,  great to see him again! Many thanks to Alison for supplying such yummy cake for tea break and to Terry for taking the photographs.

Mark mentioned that our next session might be at Turvills Field, Totland, where we visited for the first time back in February this year. As things can change at short notice, please check your e-mails for details closer to the time.

Wed 10th May 2023 - West Wight Community & Leisure Centre. GG # 933.

 Terry's Photographs.

This week the Green Gym was out west at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre. This independent organisation offers training and activities to keep people of all ages and abilities to keep fit. Our task was to carry out an annual spring clean as we have done numerous times in the past. We trimmed back the variety of shrubs in the surrounding beds as well as removing weeds and hoeing the path edges . All materials were removed to the centres compost heap.

We were spoilt at coffee time by the centres friendly hospitality.

Everything looked neat and tidy by the end of a busy morning.

Many thanks to Terry for the photographs and Geoff for his editorial.

Wed 3rd May 2023 - Millennium Green, Pell Lane, Ryde. GG # 932.

 Terry's Photographs.

Alison's Editorial.

This Wednesday we were at Millenium Green, Ryde.  There were an assortment of tasks for us to do to help maintain the site.  The boggy places on the main paths were topped with shingle and limestone chippings and any encroaching greenery trimmed back.  The drainage ditches were re-dug in places and drainpipes and gullies cleared.  There were a few unwanted bay trees which were cut down.  The wildflower meadow and the surrounding area was cleared of young bramble shoots.  It was a beautiful morning and we all appreciated the birdsong which accompanied us.  

The rumour is that next Wednesday's GG will be at the West Wight Sports Centre, but...as per usual, please check your e-mail in box closer to the time.

Many thanks to Alison for the editorial and Terry for the photographs.