Monty the Mouse felt run down on Saturday morning. The sense of fatigue stuck with him throughout the afternoon. Was it the freezing weather outside? Or maybe too much of Joseph's cherry-infused grappa Monty had found at Horsenden Grape and Honey Farm? Monty felt quite cosy in his lair inside a pile of woodchip at the farm - until the strangers arrived.

The strangers were no strangers to the Grape and Honey Farm - maybe apart from Mohamed, who came to the site for the first time. Sevan, Steph Ducat and Kash had been visiting the farm in the past, to support Feeding Ealing and Heston Lions in creating a new urban garden in Greenford.

Today, Joseph, who manages the project's activities, had a new task for the four helpers: saving Joseph from slipping on the muddy slope leading to the community garden! How? By spreading woodchip on the paths, of course! With four wheelbarrows (and only one with a flat tyre), forks and shovels the GoodGymers attacked the heap that they didn't realise had been Monty's winter quarters.

Under the dry and wet layers of shredded bark, bay leaf, pine trees and other loose woody material, the GoodGymers discovered plenty of logs! Was Joseph and the Lions short-changed on woodchip? Or was it delivered with a shred-it-yourself clause? Who knows! The pieces of wood were quite a shock when hit with a fork, so the team proceeded cautiously. Apart from the logs, Mohamed, Sevan, Steph and Kash revealed the very sleepy Monty emerging from the woodchip. He didn't look awake and energetic and didn't even bother running away from the GoodGymers. Luckily, he was safe with that gang. On the other hand, a ginger cat has been seen on the site. Watch out, Monty!

The GoodGymers covered with woodchip not only the muddy patches of the path but all the walkway towards the would-be polytunnel and the space in front of the construction. Next month we will be back at the Feeding Ealing site to help Joseph cover the polytunnel frame with its key element - a plastic sheet - sign up join us now - we'll need all hands on deck to make it happen!