GoodGym was back at Hoxton Trust Garden, to help manage the compost heaps. Three were already yielding rich compost, which was (relatively!) easy to turn over and mix through.

The 4th compost box was more challenging as it contained a lot of recently cut twigs, branches and other garden cuttings. Maria put in a sterling effort lifting and shifting the matted compost, determined to find rich soil beneath. The insect population signaled hope that the compost was healthy, even if it wasn't ready to use.

Eventually a new strategy was employed - temporarily remove the top layer of fresh twigs, straw, branches, etc into a wheelbarrow to gain access to the middle layer of fractionally more decomposed twigs, straw, branches, etc so as to be able to turn that. All three volunteers joined forces at this stage lifting, removing and turning the organic matter. Unwanted plastic items were removed by way of extra quality control.

With the lower layers of the twiggy compost finally aerated, the material in the wheelbarrow was layered back on. Where possible, the team also broke down twigs to aid the decomposition process.

Great to have the help and company of first timer, Araba. Hope to see you and Maria at another session soon.

It's been a couple of months since GoodGym were last at Stoke Newington Common. With the hot dry days of summer behind us, it is not longer necessary to water the young trees. However, this weekend marked the start of mulching season at the Common and three goodgymers were on hand to help the regular Stoke Newington Common Users Group volunteers. It was great to have Kene joining us for his first ever GoodGym session. And lovely to have Rob back in the borough after some time away south of the river.

The task was to ready the trees for winter, by distributing protective and nutritious mulch around the base of the trees. This retains soil moisture, insulates root, suppresses weeds and improves the nutritional value of the soil, as the mulch decomposes.

Having collected tools from nearby Abney Park Cemetery, the group made their way to the mulch pile to load up the wheelbarrows and distribute the mulch around the trees, making sure to clear the ground first of debris and weeds. After a good hour or so, all the trees were protected and the group returned tools, just before the rain started. A good effort all round.

Next time (Saturday 1st November) - we'll be mulching the younger trees and shrubs.