Another double-digit turnout meant we could divide into three groups to tackle a variety of tasks towards the top of Petersham Common Woods. It's been a regular spot for GoodGym Richmond with our work including maintaining the famous "Turner's View", planting hundreds of new trees and coppicing others to create a denser middle layer in the woods for nesting songbirds.

Today's challenges were slot-planting new thorn trees above the path by the Star and Garter flats. Green-fingered Anita oversaw Victoria, Beth, Sam and newcomer Christina at this, under Ken's instruction to bury them just on the point that the roots end to ensure each young sapling's survival. The guys took to it dilligently with their focus broken only on occasion by a mighty crack from below, where Chris♂ in full lumberjack mode was clearing an area that needed cutting back.

Around the corner Hounslow tearaway Pippa, plus Monika and Maena continued with the coppicing that we started a couple of weeks ago, while task leader Ken supplied Lindor chocolates and coffee, a deserved treat.