Out here in the fields, we fight for our orchids

A good number of Goodgymers came out on this bright and sunny Monday morning to meet at the hand weeding task with Sam from Luton Borough Parks department and the Luton and Dunstable Conservation Volunteers.

It's been a regular summer season task and everyone at Luton Goodgym has got involved and knows what the task entails. This is my second season at this location and it's obvious that we're making a difference to the meadow habitat. Sam was pleased to report that at Fallowfield, another conservation site that Goodgymers have helped out at, there's already evidence of improvement. The Goldenrod plant invasion has been curtailed with some success and now the more useful yellow rattle has become more established, and orchid numbers are on the increase. It's worth remembering these wins when you're toiling away steadily in the warm sun wondering if you're ever going to get the better of Goldenrod!