While the summer sun was beaming down, a dynamic duo of GoodGymers cycled over to Mitcham Orchard for some essential tree maintenance. On arrival we were tasked with tidying up the fruit trees from the weeds and runaway root suckers.

Fortunately, nature provided the perfect workspace. Working completely under the canopy in the cool, refreshing shade, we made quick work of the area around the trees. It was the perfect blend of getting a gentle workout while staying reasonably cool.

A big shoutout for doubling up for the second task of the day. Mitcham Orchard is looking sharper, healthier, and much happier for it!

Two of the team joined the first fundraising shift and hit Wimbledon's Small Quarter to raise vital funds and awareness for Merton’s Community Fridge.

Armed with collection buckets and leaflets, we chatted with locals about tackling food waste and supporting families in need. Thanks to some enthusiastic bucket-shaking, and access to a card machine the donations soon added up and our team members can certainly take some credit for helping keep this fantastic local asset going.

We will be over at the Fridge in August helping with other jobs so do join us if you can.

The garden is at its peak at the moment, filled with flowers in full bloom and bursting with vibrant colours. The weather was perfect too, sunshine with a cooling breeze. This month’s jobs included planting, watering and weeding, while Claire demonstrated her impressive skills with a saw as she pruned back the dead branches of the bay tree. Audrey snapped a fabulous emperor dragonfly and there were ladybirds everywhere. This is one of our most regular and best-loved tasks - look out for details of next month’s session.

Lovely couple of hours spent in the sun today at the Mitcham Community Orchard & Garden. Weeded a raised bed and planted beetroot seeds. Hammered in hazelnut stakes for Genevieve to work her magic later by weaving a willow enclosure.

Thoroughly enjoyed helping out the fabulous team at Mitcham Community Orchard & Garden and learned new skills for sawing, chopping and bashing woody broccoli stalks into fibrous pieces for composting 💪 Who’d have thought there was so much to it! 👌👊 Huge thanks 🙏 to Ms K, Ms R, Mr C and, oh dear I can’t remember (or display) all of your names 😳 but all were so incredibly welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly and the experience and fresh air was truly invigorating and socially enriching - particularly as my day job involves sitting lonesome at a pc screen all day! Highly recommend this beautiful and very productive garden for doing much good in the community. Thoroughly enjoyable and fun morning, and I hope to return again soon for one of their Action Saturdays 👍🙌😊

Claire and I joined a team to help in the community garden. We pruned, weeded, watered and moved a raspberry bush! It was wonderful to see things start to bloom and grow.