This was the bountiful haul when volunteers cleared the dense undergrowth around the tennis courts in Victoria recreation ground; 50 lost balls (some slightly chewed).

The community rallied to spruce up Victoria rec, trim unruly foliage, pick up litter and dramatically improve the Victoria Avenue entrance’s flowerbeds.

Twenty five volunteers from the Friends group used secateurs, shears, loppers and litter-pickers, collecting bagfuls of debris.

The group, set up in March by Helen O’Donovan to fight EE’s bid for a mast in the park (the Comms giant later lost its appeal to the Planning Inspectorate), gave it a facelift, assisted by Good Gym (on-foot superheroes who run to where they’re needed, then muck in) and council contractor idVerde.

“There are things we can do to improve this recreation ground,” said Helen. “We’re going to renovate the beds at the entrance, and cut back the sycamore and hazel as it’s threatening to poke up through the surface of the tennis courts.”

Bindweed was removed, but buddleia was left, to encourage butterflies. Ultimately the past-its-prime lonicera hedging will be replaced by beech.

Kingston’s biodiversity officer Elliot Newton gave a stirring speech to the volunteers and explained safety procedures before work got under way.

The Friends of Victoria Rec would love to contact more willing locals who cherish their open space. Email [email protected] or find Friends of Victoria Rec – Surbiton on Facebook.