This week we had a double-task of sorts, first task was to visit the orchard trees at Stockingstone Meadow, these had been mulched by contractors but they had piled too much mulch up against the trunks of the trees so we needed to scrape it away to prevent trunk rot and spread it more sensibly around the roots of each tree.

That was an important task but didn't take too long so we then moved on to the nearby Riverside Meadow, where we've been waging a long war against Goldenrod. The meadow was looking much more diverse than in previous years when it was just a blanket of goldenrod. But some remnants of roots in the ground have sprouted smaller weaker plants so we spent half an hour picking them out. Still plenty to do here, so we left plenty for other volunteer groups to deal with. We will return another day to get the rest if needed!

On the way back we took a moment to stretch and strengthen our hip flexors and glutes. Often overlooked muscles they really help with running when they're strong and healthy so it was worth ten minutes to focus on them.

This week's group run was in the middle of a week of stormy showers but fortunately for us, the last big shower of the day passed over just as we were meeting and then left us with a sunny evening to get to our task at the 61 football club a 2.5km run away.

The club was preparing for its 65th birthday celebrations at the weekend and we were pitching in to help get the ground looking smart for all the visitors due to attend the party.

We cut grass off the path, mopped inside and swept up the outside, leaving it all looking very well cared for, before heading back into town.

This weeks group run took the team on a fairly long distance run 4km out to Stony Hill nature reserve. A popular park space for after school playtime it was due for a tidy up of the usual forgotten litter.

Our team of seven got into every corner and copse of the park seeking bits to fill our bags. after thirty minutes or so we'd filled an impressive eight bags, set them by the road for collection and began the return 4km journey back into town.

It was Earth Day, a day to celebrate nature and consider what we can do to help and protect it.

Our task at the Lea Vale Community Garden was to help get some unruly vegetable beds in order with a good digging over and building some new wooden frames around them. This will allow the gardens users to focus on making contact with nature by growing vegetables in the garden and enjoying the peace of this secluded green space.

As always it was a steep run up to Farley Hill that got our legs pumping hard and burning loads of calories. After the task we did a nice core conditioning workout on the lawn before heading back down the hill.

After the wettest winter ever, the players and the changing rooms at 61 FC had clearly got a bit muddy so we were called in to give it a spring clean now the weather has brightened and the pitch is dryer.

We did a good paced 4km run out to the clubhouse, got set up with soapy water, scrubbers and mops and set to work bringing a fresher look and smell to the club!

Job done we had our traditional half-time orange squash and biscuits and finished the evening with the return 4km run into town.