Why Woodn't We BEE Chipper on Such A Swarm Day?

21 little worker bees (aka GoodGym runners) swarmed 6km to lend a hand at the Quaker Burial Ground.

Monday 20 May was World Bee Day, but as we set out for our run under glorious blue skies, we had no idea what a happy coincidence would bee in store for us.

This week's task saw us return to the Quaker Burial Ground (a.k.a. Arundel Avenue Community Gardens) a site we've visited twice over the winter so it was a treat to see this lovely hidden garden in full day light. The team set a really strong pace over the 3km run there and we arrived with plenty of time to dedicate to the task. Garden volunteer Jan put us to work shifting and spreading wood chip to reinforce the garden paths. Pauline did her own thing with a little pruning, while Ruth and Claire shifted grass clippings into the compost bin.

Everyone did fantastic work but what really caused a stir was when Jan pointed out a swarm of bees hanging from one of the trees. They had swarmed out of one of the garden's hives just the day before and were waiting on a nearby tree ready to start a fresh hive somewhere new. None of us had ever seen anything like it and it was fascinating. Bees are so important to our ecological life and it was a rare treat to see them in such large numbers doing their thing.

A big shout out to returner runner Grace (good to have you back) and to excellent newbies Jake, Emma and Chris who easily kept pace at the run and worked hard during the task too. We'd love you to run with us again soon.

We took a slightly different route back but even with the hill (a.k.a. slight slope!!) the team swarmed on and make easy work of the run. We stopped for a quick fitness session and the team were enjoying it so much that when I was distracted, they just kept going! How the times have changed ;)

Fantastic work tonight everyone. I'm off on my adventures for a few weeks so next week John will be looking after you and the following week you've got Sophie. Please be nice to them and sign-up for the runs. I will miss you all. See you in 3 weeks x

P.S. Kudos to Rowan for the title pun.