"Spud-tacular Effort & Fig-tastic fun"

Yesterday we were back at the GoodGym Garden, a space we use to grow good things, boost biodiversity, and produce (hopefully) fruit and veg to donate to the community.

The potatoes planted last time were thriving and we had big plans to get the magic beans Jordan had brought along into the ground.

The fig tree was looking particularly healthy with plenty of new fruit. Not to be outdone, the gooseberry bush was also laden with tiny berries.

We worked hard planting, weeding, pruning and watering but were called to a halt as the heavens opened - so much for all that watering! Tools downed, we dashed for shelter and turned our gardening session into an indoor coffee-fueled debrief, which included watching out for the VE day flyover. Sadly, no jets were spotted outside but thanks to the BBC alert on our phones, we got a front-row seat to the action anyway.

Next week we return to Doddington for more community fun, followed by our monthly pub quiz. Fingers crossed for some questions on composting.

This Saturday morning, Unigate Wood was buzzing with more than just birdsong. A fantastic group of volunteers from Friends of Unigate Wood and the ever-energetic GoodGym laced up their boots, rolled up their sleeves, and leafed their worries behind to tackle overgrown paths. Armed with hedge trimmers and shear determination, they set out to clear and widen the trails, making the woods more accessible for walkers, wanderers, and woodland creatures alike. It was a real labour of glove as brambles were banished and paths were pruned to perfection.

The result? A newly spruced-up woodland walkway that’s nothing short of tree-mendous. Whether you’re a jogger, stroller, or Sunday rambler, the paths are now primed for your next forest fix. A huge branch of gratitude goes out to the volunteers who trimmed their schedules to make a real impact. They didn’t bark up the wrong tree—they made sure nature lovers can enjoy the peace, beauty, and open paths of Unigate Wood all year round.