Mud tackled at Mapledurham Playing Fields - many hands make light work

On Saturday 1st of February, over 25 residents volunteered their time to tackle two big muddy sections of path around Mapledurham Playing Fields (MPF).

Some of the volunteers (before finishing off this patch)

A huge thank you to all who helped, coming together on just 24 hours' notice: from dog walkers, runners, parents and pupils of The Heights, ESCAPE toddler group, representatives from Caversham Trents Football Club and Mapledurham Lawn Tennis Club, as well as a Reading Borough Council officer. It was a wonderful community effort!

All hands on deck

The idea came about after a Chazey Road resident contacted me offering 10 cubic metres of wood chippings to the Council to recycle on MPF. The wood chippings had been used during building works and weren't needed any more.

On Friday, after an officer turned down the opportunity to use them, I decided to try and organise a community working party to get the job done.

Saturday's weather forecast was good, so although it was short-notice, I thought it was worth a try, never dreaming so many would come to help.

Having cleared the whole quantity

Down went the membrane

It was fabulous having all ages muck in, the atmosphere was great. It was amazing that we managed to move all 10 cubic metres of wood chippings - a volume and coverage equivalent to the footprint of a terraced house!

Subsequently, feedback has been great, with walkers delighted by the improvement. All in all, a morning well spent - thanks again to everyone.