Wed 31st Jan 2024 - Medina Riverside Park, Newport. GG # 967.

 Terry's Photographs.

This week it was a simple, but very important task..... rake up all the pre cut grass! Great exercise if you are trying to lose a few pounds post the Christmas celebrations 😃. Although it was a rather grey day, it remained dry throughout the session and as can be seen from the photos above, well attended. The final photo says it all - "A job well done" 👏.

Mark did mention that next Wednesday will be at One Horse Field, Totland and the task will be a repeat of this week.

Many thanks to Terry for his excellent photographs.

Wed 24th Jan 2024 - Yarmouth Green (Part 2). GG # 966.

 Terry's Photographs.

Alison's Editorial.

Session 2 of 2 at Yarmouth Green.  This week we were working on the western side of the green cutting out the bramble and white poplar suckers.  It's very satisfying to cut some bramble and then pull out a really long piece and make a difference to the shrubs underneath.  Terry's photos show the extent of the task and the amount cut and piled up for later removal.  A litter pick was also undertaken.  The weather was dry and bright and definitely warmer than last week!

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

Wed 17th Jan 2024 - Yarmouth Green (Part 1). GG # 965.

 Alison's Editorial.

Session 1 of 2 - this week we were at Yarmouth Green assisting Yarmouth Harbour to maintain the trees and shrubs at its northern edge.  We cut back a considerable amount of bramble and some of the shrubs so that they do not encroach upon the trees and various art works.  The arisings were piled up and will be removed at a later stage.  A litter pick was also undertaken.  We are here again next week for session 2.  Let's hope it warms up a bit!

Many thanks to Alison for writing the editorial, photographs will be added when they arrive.

Wed 10th Jan 2024 - Horseshoe Trail, St Helens. GG # 964.

 Terry's Photographs.

Mark's Photograph.

Alison's Editorial.

This week we were in St Helens, working on the Horseshoe Trail, next to West Green. Trees have horseshoes nailed onto them kindly marking the route.  We worked on an area adjacent to the path, clearing the undergrowth and dead trees and creating habitat piles.  Further down the path, muddy areas were covered with branches to provide firmer footing, and the existing boards were rearranged.  After the wet weather of recent weeks it was a relief to have a beautiful dry sunny day although it was very cold.

 

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

Wed 3rd Jan 2024 - Pig Leg Lane, Ryde. GG # 963.

Happy New Year everyone - another busy year for Green Gym.

 Terry's Photographs.

Alison's Editorial.

Today we were at Pig Leg Lane in Ryde helping Gift to Nature maintain the site.  We were working in the southern end of the site where it meets with the boundary of a property.  The hedge line had grown completely out of control and was covering a considerable patch of ground.  Two of the wooden posts preventing vehicle access were uncovered.  The plant concerned was lonicera (shrubby honeysuckle) and the arisings were burnt.  Terry's photos show just how much work was completed.  Despite weather forecasts of a dry morning we did have several heavy downpours but towards the end of the session conditions improved.

Note:  my gardening book advises that shrubby lonicera is clipped frequently!

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