We lichen winter pruning at Margaret Wright Community Orchard.

Our second year joining the Abbey People team to prune the apple trees. Getting it right now will result in a healthier, more bountiful crop in the summer 🍎

Each cycling to the task, taking extra care on the icy roads, Harriet, Nick and I met at the orchard. Nick brought extra energy and positivity for a cold January morning ✨

We had an introduction from Leo, whose passion and knowledge inspired us all to get going! We learned how to prune effectively to ensure the tree grows in the most efficient shape, energy is directed to productive areas, and so that the tree looks nice (aesthetics are important too!). We learned about tip pruning of younger plants and using thinning cuts on more established trees to ensure there is enough light getting to the buds.

We got to it, finding the outward-facing buds and chopping, as well as removing water shoots (new, non-fruiting shoots), which prevents energy being wasted on growth where it's not needed.

It was a cold one today, so extra kudos for GoodGymers who showed up to start January strong 🙌

We spent a lovely sunny morning helping Abbey People tidy up at the orchard. Nick and I had a nice surprise as, instead of just tidying up, we able to learn a new skill.

After starting off with some weeding around the seating area, we were shown how to construct a little border using willow. We wove strips of willow together to make a low fence around the strawberry bed. It was a very therapeutic activity and we ended up with a very pleasing result.

It was also Nick's birthday and he kindly brought cake so that we could join him in the celebrations.

Two Goodgymers - Nick and I - spent a lovely morning helping tidy up this great comunity orchard in preparation for a family event next week. We cleared away some prickly brambles and annoying nettles, making space around the seating areas. We also helped out with planting beans in the adjoining community allotment, harvesting some late potatoes along the way. It was bloomin' marvellous!

Armed with pickers, bags and high vis, three eager GoodGymers took to the streets of Cambridge to fight the war on waste. 💪

Our expert litter picker, Nick, led the way to some of the worst areas for litter, including a section of the Cam. We collected bottles, plastic, and a disproportionate number of tissues. Nick added to his vape and ring pull collection, ensuring all are disposed of responsibly or recycled ♻️

It was our first litter pick group run and it certainly added an interesting element. We definitely got better as the run went on, spotting the smallest bits of rubbish hidden in hedgerows (as well as very obvious takeaway boxes on fences). Although we didn't find anything too unusual, there's always next time!

Another brilliant morning with Abbey People, supporting their Seeds of Hope project. We were back moving soil to create bunds, which will eventually be sown with wildflowers. It is very physical, so we got a good workout shoveling and moving soil from the heap. The mounds will protect the beds, holding moisture and preventing erosion, giving the new trees and shrubs the best chance. It is a very satisfying feeling to see the soil heap reduce and the bunds take shape. One more session and they should be done!