After a sunny but breezy parkrun at Heslington - a first for Jane and a chance to pick up bonus Goodgymer Kit and dog Echo - we met at the Tiny Forest for some maintenance.

Three bathtubs had originally been installed at the site to provide water for the trees and habitat for wildlife, but the saplings have been growing well without additional water and the ponds were in a sorry state. We therefore took out two of the tubs, filling in the remaining holes, and partially emptied the third so it could be refreshed with rainwater ready for pond plants to improve its condition. This involved some artful arrangement of rocks to allow the frog-in-residence a means of escape! We also raked the arisings from the meadow area to ensure the site will bloom again next year.

After all the hard work, we took time to enjoy coffee and cake while basking in the glory of the (no longer) tiny trees.