Today we have tried a staggered start mission for the first time since the end of the recent lockdown. The task was to create a path across the bird garden to improve access to the bird feeder.

Under the careful guidance of Moira (Bird Garden Project Manager) team 'Three PM' started with removing the top 5/6cm layer of top soil densely populated with various weeds and dismantling wooden pallets for path edging.

On arrival the leader of team ‘Four fifteen PM' was briefed by the ‘Three PM’ leader on the task requirements and went to wipe tool handles with disinfectant wipes provided by the task owner.

The brief was passed to the team and shortly after John, Maddy, Lauren and Kay were hacking at the hard to penetrate top layer of what was to become a barchchip path. John and Lauren started at one end with Maddy and Kay at the other to allow for sufficient social distancing. Michal went to dismantle two wooden pallets for more path edging and Mora joined in with the work to provide guidance.

While this was taking place John asked Anne to show Michal the effective broom technique that she demonstrated at the last community mission. Michal found out that the success of it depended on your vocal skill as singing was required for a proper rhythm.

Chatting and laughing was in abundance and barrow after barrow of soil-weed mix was being moved to the designated area. Mora was carefully fixing the wooden edging and the path was starting to look like one. After about 50 min of forking and spading both ends of the path have met at the centre. Mora decided that laying the membrane and barkchip will have to wait until another day. The tools have been put away and it was time for a team photo and a quick chat about bikes and cycling before heading our own ways home.