Wooden bench-time/money/energy/skilled lacking!

[Muddlemummy]

Hi there
i am on maternity leave with a baby& toddler who don’t sleep. My dad died 4 months ago. Time/energy/money are at a severe premium and have been in “survival” mode for at least a year.
I am desperate to do something other than chores and would like to protect/restore this bench. Please could I ask for advice of how to prep/varnish this? It’s only 3 years old. Complete beginner but not looking for perfection. TIA xx

Coarse sandpaper to remove flaky bits. Paint with teak oil. It's quite therapeutic, enjoy.

If cost and skill are issues this goes on very easily and will soak through without any prep. 3 coats will have it looking much better and will protect it from the weather for a season with enough left over to do again next year. Any cheap 2" brush and a used takeaway plastic tub are all that's needed.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-wood-treatment-light-brown-5ltr/34702

Nothing at all. Over time that brown stuff will flake off and you'll be left with the silvery coloured wood. For longevity and, in my opinion, appearance that's about as good as you can do. Muck and green bits can be brushed off, perhaps with water or soap and water.

If the sun is shining, a better use of your time would be to sit on it.

Definitely don't use varnish, that will look horrible again very quickly. Any of the wood treatments like teak oil are much better!

Give it a good brush with a wire brush.
Treat with teak oil but make sure it is really dry before sitting on it.