A glorious morning of sunshine greeted the 7 GGers who headed out to the Ham Lands for a morning of doing good. As usual, Sharon was there to meet us and led the group to an area we had tackled around the same time last year, where we had cut down the suckers growing up near the cherry trees.

So it was a morning of sticks (and saplings and brambles). We cut them down from the main tree in the middle, from the surrounding areas and from the undergrowth, and gathered them up to deposit in the ever-increasing pile tucked away amongst the trees.

While most of us were having a stick-y time with the choppers and loppers, Rosie tackled an even stickier challenge left behind by a passing canine to help prevent sticky shoes for walkers using the pathway 💩

We worked hard and made a lot of progress, and at the end of our allotted time we had made a real difference, as well as soaking up some vitamin D from the warming sunshine.

All that was left was a group picture before we headed off to the Swiss bakery for delicious coffees and snacks.

Next time up is the 8th June - you can sign up here: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/helping-the-happy-ham-landers-3ae1f524-d6fd-44ec-a291-890a4ec45133

Finally! The first sunny Saturday morning task at Ham Lands!

A large group including 8 GG members and other volunteers gathered for our monthly mission maintaining the natural habitats of the Ham Lands, and the difference of a sunny day was evident in the smiles and energy of everyone present as we set about our task for the morning.

This session saw us tackling some large areas of brambles. Armed with loppers, shears and secateurs we split into groups and got to work.

The time whizzed by as we made rapid progress, taming the wild bramble patches and creating a huge pile of cuttings as we went. It was a very satisfying mission, made all the more enjoyable by coffees and snacks at the Swiss bakery afterwards!

Next session at Ham Lands will be on 11th May: keep an eye out for the listing and sign up!

The rain held off for the monthly visit to the Ham Lands and 3 spirited GGers met the Friends for some nature conservation work.

As is not uncommon on Ham Lands missions, the bulk of the task involved clearing brambles - this time from an area near the path to Teddington Lock. The team attacked the spiky suckers with gusto, making short work of a good-sized area and even taking the time to lay some branches as protection for a badger set they had uncovered during the work.

As usual there was plenty of good chat and good cheer, and the team went away to enjoy a warm and sunny Saturday happy with their efforts.

The next Ham Lands task is on Saturday 13th April - you can sign up here: https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/helping-the-happy-ham-landers-2b1574e4-0866-416a-983c-453a36d5d2dc

The good gym crew and the local Ham Lands group were very welcoming and nice. Got taught a bit of the history of the lands and the biodiversity and the hard work that got it looking how it is and how much more work is needed to keep it that way. Looking forward for the next one.

It was a cold one this time on the Ham Lands as we gathered for another dose of natural habitat management. We were back on the same patch as last time, digging out the brambles to ensure the area would flower properly come the spring.

After a short while a few of us were assigned to a second task, which was to cut down small trees to use on a hedgerow fence.

Amazingly the answer is neither a crown of thorns or a loud bang, but a celebration for Jp's 500th Good Deed! 👑

Perfectly timed to hit the task that JP owns as part of Task Force, we met at a drizzly Ham Lands to adorn JP with the ceremonial crown. Grateful task owner Sharon presented JP with a beautiful photo of the moon, taken over Ham Lands 🌙

The task itself involved stemming the regrowth of brambles and hawthorns where we had previously cleared the area. The job involved digging roots, pulling, chopping, plenty of chat, and half-time snacks from Monika as part of the celebration!

The rain just about held off for the reign of King James before heading to the warm and welcoming Swiss Bakery for party flamküchen, hot chocolates and pastries, alongside a good read of the lovely messages from GoodGym Richmond members in JP's card. This is a huge milestone to reach, hearty congratulations from us all JP!

Join us next month for our next visit to Ham Lands, whether it's your first task or your 267th, you can be sure of a warm welcome (although the crown is just for the 500th!): Https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/helping-the-happy-ham-landers-36169bea-e20f-4366-8370-aa0a64e48401