Hay, don't bale on me now! We’ve got a field to clear.

On the evening of 24th July, GoodGym joined forces with the Friends of Lyncombe Hill Fields (https://friendsoflyncombehillfields.co.uk/) for a community task focused on raking hay. One GoodGym volunteer, enthusiastic and ready to help, collaborated with five dedicated volunteers from the Friends. The task was scheduled for an hour but we carried on for two, during which we also enjoyed a short tea break accompanied by biscuits. The primary task for the evening was to rake and collect hay. This activity is part of the ongoing efforts to maintain the beautiful green space of Lyncombe Hill Fields, ensuring it remains a welcoming environment for both wildlife and the local community. The Friends needed to remove the grass cover to allow wild flowers to flourish in the area as they are currently outcompeted by grass and nettles. Armed with rakes, pitchforks and huge bags, the team spread out across the designated area and began raking the hay into manageable piles. We followed on behind the mower being operated by one of the Lyncombe Hill Fields team and another of their volunteers, ably wielding a scythe. The weather was cooperative, with just one or two light drops of rain that did not hinder our progress. At the halfway mark, we paused for a well-deserved tea break, enjoying biscuits and chat about the fascinating history of the site and the wildlife and flowers that can be found in the area. Reinvigorated from the break, the team resumed raking with renewed energy. The volunteers worked together efficiently, ensuring all the hay was collected and moved to the designated disposal area.