Teklay and Gill were joined at Riverbank by Atsiba this week. While the two guys got busy with digging up the ivy roots Gill was collecting up bricks and rubble and barrowing them to the entrance of the site. Then there was sawing to be done to remove some overhanging branches while the headteacher provided some guidance, and collecting up fallen branches and debris. It was hard work but fortunately Gill had bought a tin of shortbread to keep our energy levels up. We’re really starting to see the area developing into what will be a great woodland environment for the schoolchildren , and it’s a great sense of achievement.

Despite the threat of rain in the forecast, Teklay and Gill were still keen to join another session with Groundworks at the overgrown plot behind Riverbank School. Today's tasks including chopping up some of the previously cut branches and getting them into builders bags. Then we managed to dig out a deeply embedded fence post before starting the job of clearing the ground ivy. It was a really good upper body work out and much more fun than being in the gym, especially when Teklay disguised himself behind a huge mound of ivy! (see photo)

We had a tree-o of GoodGymers working under the trees by Rivebank School this morning. with rakes and garden forks they were put to work clearing a section of the woodland area in preparation for planting bulbs. It was quite a work out as we needed to dig deep to remove bricks and rubble and lots of deep rooted brambles and ivy. But it was good fun. We were especially pleased to welcome Mustafa as it was his first task with GoodGym. Hope he comes back for more GoodGym capers.

A nine o’clock start and two Goodgymers felt like they were returning to school… oh because they were back in school. But after being welcomed by the receptionist we were shown to an overgrown area just beyond the school fence. Riverbank School have decided on a project to reclaim an overgrown and litter strewn stretch of land alongside the river bank to create an outdoor learning environment. Knowing the drill for scrub clearance we were happy to work alongside the head teacher and one or two people From Groundwork’s to start clearing the scrub, cutting back trees and collecting up the usual assortment of litter cans and nitros. The sun was shining and we enjoyed making quite an impact on what we home will be a fabulous environment for the children.

We’re also looking forward to stage two when we’ve been promised we can don the waders and start clearing the river if the massive amount of cans and rubbish.