We're becoming regular visitors to the Greenhill Allotments in Cowgate in Newcastle. It was my first visit this year and it was lovely to see the plot that we spent so long clearing last year now thriving.

Today's task was to clear weeds around some communal areas rather than a specific plot, in advance of task owner Sue having a skip delivered next week to remove a big pile of waste that has accumulated as the allotment users (and GoodGym volunteers) have gradually cleared the area.

After some very warm dry weather, I was relieved to see some good rainfall this week, and I had high hopes that the ground would be softened somewhat and make our task a little easier. It wasn't to be! The ground was as hard as ever, making it virtually impossible to get a spade or fork into it. I think Sue mentioned something about dolomite rock! The only really effective strategy was to get down low and use a spade sideways - I'm sure there's probably a technological horticultural term for this, but I'm just going with sideways digging! The hoes also proved very useful. Despite the elements working against us, the five of us cleared a substantial area around some raised beds, underneath the table and along the perimeter fence. We filled quite a few bags to add to the pile for the skip next week! In fact we were so committed we didn't even get round to eating the bananas that Sue had so thoughtfully left for us.

I think Sue was pleased with the progress we made - you can judge for yourself from the photos! There's definitely more work to be done and Sue is also keen for helpers to wheelbarrow the waste from the far end of the allotment down to the front where the skip can be left. Look out for more Greenhill tasks, or just get in touch if you fancy helping out independently.

Right, I'm off for a lie down!

Today's task was to create some planting beds at Greenhill Allotments. We've cleared overgrown grass there before and it can be quite challenging, but the ground was relatively soft and cooperative today.

Task owner Sue was quite surprised that we managed to pile three wheelbarrows high with the removed grass and weeds. We managed to create two planting beds, with room for two more on the plot.

A very warm welcome to Edward on his first GoodGym task. It was quite a physical task today and a good amount of effort was put in by both Edward and Richard.

On a very pleasant Sunday, three GoodGymers cleared most of a plot at Greenhill Allotments. The upcoming end of the financial year, and the allotment rental year, has seen plots vacated. GoodGym Newcastle was asked to help make the plots look a bit more desirable for potential new tenants.

As ever, gregarious task owner Sue met us at the allotments to describe what needed doing. We had some challenging visits to Greenhill Allotments last summer when it had been very dry, meaning the ground was extremely hard. This time the garden tools broke the ground much more easily and allowed us to get quite a lot done.

We'll be back at Greenhill Allotments in three weeks, please join us if you can!

This morning’s visit to Magret’s allotment marked a small but satisfying milestone—we finally finished clearing her plot! And just in time, too, as the sun seemed determined to melt us. Thankfully, our trusty new wheelbarrow made light(er) work of hauling weeds and trimmings, even if we were dripping by the end.

It was lovely to see that Magret has already started planting in the areas we cleared on earlier visits. Check out the photos —it’s always rewarding to know the effort is paying off.

As we dug, pulled, and sweated it out, we uncovered a surprising shared memory: Debs and I discovered we’d spent time in Jack’s hometown. That gave us a lovely excuse to pause and reminisce about Chocfest, Miss B’s charming tea rooms, and the irresistible cakes at the community café in the country park. Nothing like a little nostalgia to take your mind off the heat!

Midway through the session, Magret dropped by with Sue to chat. It was heartwarming to hear how much she’s enjoying having access to the plot—it’s clear it means a lot to her, and that’s what makes these sessions so worthwhile.

After what must be six—or maybe seven—visits, we’ve finally cleared the full length of her plot. But the job’s not quite over yet. There are still more plots in need of attention and Sue has plans to strim and mow them in preparation… and so, spades at the ready—until next time!

Three intrepid GoodGymers made their way to Greenhill Allotments to help clear one of the allotments to make it more appealing and hopefully get someone in to take it over.

It was no small task and the roots seemed determined to defeat us. Forks, hoes and a weird twisty weeding thing were put to work.

A lot of effort and only one minor health and safety incident when a root gave way which led to a flying fist and an unlucky nose…. I forgive you!

Brilliant effort by all and we’ll definitely be making a return trip.

Another successful Saturday at Greenhill Allotments, as two GoodGymers set to work clearing a plot of weeds and other random things like glass jars and bits of garden tools. The mattock was put to good use on the hard ground. One thing Greenhill Allotments has is a good variety of tools. Today's other tool of the day was a nameless one has lots of pointy bits that you stick in the ground and twist, wrapping the weeds around the end.

Check out the before and after photographs. It'll probably take one more visit to clear the rest of the plot, hopefully after it has rained a bit to soften the ground.