2 goodgymers helped with maintaining a local chalk stream this morning. Becky and I joined Abbey People to build on the amazing restoration work done earlier this year. We divided into 2 groups, one on each side of the stream. One of the tasks was to remove the plastic netting put in place in the spring to protect the stream as it regained its full flow.

It was arduous but satisfying work as the shears and secateurs came out to cut back brambles in order to get to the netting. There was a moment of drama when the anguished cries of a little muntjac deer were heard. The poor thing had been caught in the plastic netting, but we thankfully managed to free them and send them on their way.

Another task was to remove a wooden way-marker post that had been spotted in the water further up-stream. Donning waders and armed with litter pickers, the stream was first cleared of rubbish before some expert teamwork saw the wooden post retrieved and hauled up the bank, before being carried aloft as a trophy back to the rest of the group.

It was quite a wet and rainy morning, but our spirits were not dampened as we achieved all we'd set out to do.

GoodGymers where out in force this morning making events happen North and South of the the city.

Up in Northstowe, Becky and I were supporting Cambridge Acorn Project at Northstowe Running Festival by managing a water station on the half marathon route. We took a lovely cycle from Cambridge arriving with plenty of time to fill 100s of cups of water and master the fiddly job of setting up the rubbish sacks.

We had a great time handing out water and cheering on runners who were doing a fantastic job! The rain held off for a while, but about 2 hours in, it started pouring, with the cups filling themselves. Water, water everywhere (and a drop to share) 🌧️

We took cover while the worst passed and had even more respect for runners persevering in those difficult conditions. 💪

After a swift clear up, we headed to a local cafe to warm up with a much needed cup of tea ☕

Further south, Harriet and Caroline were reunited at Fulbourn Hospital parkrun, and were joined by Jacob to make a volunteer dream team. All went smoothly with Harriet as Run Director, supported by Jacob on timekeeping and Caroline on number checking. This new role for Caroline meant a new parkrun challenge badge 🎉 Aligning perfectly, there was plenty of cake to enjoy from parkrunner milestone celebrations. Yum!

Shout out to Scott who was representing GoodGym and in charge of pre-course checks at Coldham's Common parkrun last week when the sun was still shining ☀️