Under the glow of the setting sun, the GoodGym Merton team headed to Ridgway Community Garden to tackle a massive delivery of mulch. Two months ago we were tasked with the same, but this was a very different challenge!

With darkness descending fast, the team switched on their headtorches and got straight to business. We cleared away stubborn weeds, laid down a protective layer of cardboard, and spread as much woodchip as possible.

Along the way, we even paused for a quick photo and a chat with local MP Paul Kohler, before diving back into the task - adding tree replanting and conker gathering to our to-do list!

A huge, warm welcome to Joe and Ben for joining their very first session, and to Harry on completing his first-ever group run and task with us! What an absolute powerhouse of a team. In just one hour, we achieved the equivalent of two full-time gardeners working an entire day. Bet they couldn't do it in the dark 😉!

Another successful session at the Methodist Church garden! On Sunday there is going to be a Sunflower BBQ gathering, so we were put to task in making sure everywhere was looking tip top. There was watering, litter picking, weeding the beds and finishing off painting the gate (which we started last time). There was even some harvesting - potatoes were dug up and sunflower seeds retrieved. We hope lots of fun is had on Sunday!

Tonight the team returned to Morley Park to give the Friends group a hand with some serious path reclamation.

Armed with spades and loppers, we tackled a large section where dirt and overgrowth had narrowed the walkway. The rock-hard ground, after a dry summer, had turned digging into a proper full-body workout, including branch-busting and pruning back overhanging trees and bushes.

By the end, we had cleared heaps of soil and debris, fully restoring a wide stretch of path for local park-goers. Who needs a gym membership when there's jobs like this to do? Well done everyone - it's great to be back in action!

Forget the classic jazz song "What a difference a DAY made" - our 16 strong team of Goodgymers did the same in just 1 HOUR!

I can only imagine the startled look on the faces of Mitcham's Citizens Advice Bureau employees as they return to work in the morning to find their garden has been transformed from near jungle to a beautiful clean and tidy oasis in which they can enjoy their lunch breaks.

Everyone got stuck in from the word go and the result was plain to see. We also tackled the front clearing weeds, litter and sweeping leaves.

A huge welcome to Sophie and Laura - congratulations on your first GoodGym session, hopefully see you again soon!

Next week we are at Martin Way Methodist church community garden and it's likely there will be some outdoor jobs 😉. There's also a group run beforehand so sign up here if you are joining us.