It is always a highlight to head to Gale Street Organic Community Garden, and this evening's task was no exception.

We met the wonderful Nabassa, who gave us a briefing about health and safety (...and the tasks). We couldn't believe the transformation since our last visit. The jungle had been cleared showing just how huge the site is! Community can achieve great things when they come together.

Whilst clearing, they uncovered a pond and that was task 1 for our session. Splitting into two teams Mason and Martynas got stuck in (quite literally) clearing the pond, and Lukas and Imran made a start weeding the vegetable patch ready for more planting.

It was all excitement as Mason moved a rock by the pond and uncovered a slow worm 🪱 Not actually a worm, but a legless lizard, it shone golden in the sun and mesmerised us all ✨ The photo doesn't do it justice, but does perhaps capture how cross it was to be disturbed. We quickly replaced the rock and were careful in that area.

For the second week in a row, Martynas found himself perched precariously on the edge of a pond. That didn't deter, and he was even in luck, finding a vintage horseshoe buried deep in the mud. Half an hour later, Mason hit the bottom. They'd done it! We cleared the very squelchy mud into a pile, leaving the pond casing ready to be cleaned up and the area developed, supporting even more biodiversity in the garden. 🐸

Meanwhile, in the vegetable patch Imran and Lukas had cleared a whole section of weeds and started harvesting coriander seeds. Delicate work.

The group reconvened and moved onto the next job, shifting a whole load of discarded conveyor belt from the old Dagenham Ford Factory. Creating a human conveyor, the team got the job done, with Mason drawing the short straw, taking up position deep in the bushes and getting "attacked by Mother Nature". We appreciate you 💪 It was a proper workout as the rolls were heavy and awkward to fit together to store. Lukas started singing the Tetris theme and that says it all.

Tonight's post-task activity was bottle flipping. Surprisingly effective for holding attention and it was hard to pull everyone away for the group photo. Kudos to Daniel who showed expert skill 😎

A satisfying hour's work, and we came away a bit muddier and a lot lighter having spent time in nature, connecting with others. Everyone was eager to get back soon for more 💛

It was GG Barking and Dagenham's first visit to the White House (and thankfully, not a fake tan in sight).

First to arrive was Future Leader, Mason, shortly followed by Imran and Martynas, who were back for their second tasks, and lastly Lukas, all the way from Essex. What a team! 💪

Task partner, Michaela, showed us around the garden and to the pond area that needed clearing ready for a children's art workshop happening next week. The lilies were stunning, but the surrounding area was overrun by weeds and nettles. 🪾

Loving nothing better than a challenge, we immediately spread to make a star-t on the weeding ⭐

There were some precarious weeding positions on the edge of the pond, but thankfully / disappointingly we all left with dry feet 😅

We'd soon filled buckets of green waste and on taking them to the compost heap, we uncovered a wasps nest! Very much not on the agenda for the evening and they were not happy (a close zoom on the photo shows them all abuzz). We swiftly created a new compost heap at a safe distance. The garden was creepy crawling with life - as well as wasps, we came across a huge number of snails and firebugs. We'd never seen so many in one place 🐞

Within 45 minutes the area was transformed! Weed cleared around the pond and the growing beds, and under the fruit trees. As the session came to an end, we were left pond-ering when we'll be back again. 🤔

After taking a few pictures, which channelled 90s boy band, we made plans for next week's task. All agreed to meet for a jog around the park beforehand. It's written so now it must happen!

There was just enough time to exchange handstand press-up tips before heading our separate ways, buzzing for next week already! 🐝