This weekend, Cambridge GoodGymers put on their red t-shirts and grabbed the binoculars to take part in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch. Nearly 6 millions birds have been counted so far!

The weather might have been a bit grey, but the birds came out and we managed to record some valuable data to help understand species numbers in the area. There were sparrows, magpies and pigeons a plenty. Herons are a fairly common sight along the river Cam and one very kindly touched down for Caroline and Michele - a case of right place, right time!

Daiana had the support of a purr-fessional 🐈 and Caroline had an im-peck-able birdwatching snack 🍦

We had no r-egrets taking part and enjoyed a peaceful, wholesome morning.

For this week's group task we were were doing good and getting fit through a group run and donating pre-loved items to charity.

Three GoodGymers met for a Cambridge city run. We joined Girls that Jog, a local running club, on their 5km route. It was very social, chatting all the way, but at some point I got separated from Harriet and Caroline. My group headed back to the start and on receiving a message from Caroline to say they'd taken a detour to the gelato shop, I immediately sprinted across town to find them. There is nothing more motivating than a Jack's Gelato.

It turned out to be a mis-communication and they hadn't stopped for gelato, just to take a selfie outside the shop (Caroline's favourite)! Cue another, slightly less springy, sprint back across town to meet them. Reunited and all in good spirits at the ridiculousness of the situation we parted ways for the evening, each running back home. Although slightly disappointed not to have had gelato, it turned a 5km run into a 10km run, so bonus for the January Challenge at least!

To do good, several GoodGymers have been having a thorough sort through their belongings and donating pre-loved items to charities of their choice across the city. Helping with a January refresh and providing items to raise funds for those doing important work in our community🙌

We put down our litter pickers, brooms and shovels and headed to the most highly decorated pub in Cambridge for a thoroughly festive evening. With thousands of lights, tinsel and Christmas jumpers on display, every inch of the place was covered and it felt like stepping into a winter wonderland. ✨

There was much festive cheer with chance for a good catch up and a lot of laughs, whilst enjoying the festive pizzas. Delicious.

Marking the first full year of doing good in Cambridge, we remembered some of our favourite tasks and the milestones we've reached. 193 good deeds since January means A LOT of brilliant people giving up their time to support 22 community organisations. 🎉

Thank you to all GoodGymers for being a part of it and making GoodGym Cambridge so special. We look forward to more in 2026!

Merry Christmas 🎄

Rain paused play...

...but it didn't stop five brilliant GoodGymers watering, weeding, and wielding another beautiful batch of tomatoes. It also gave us chance to have a chat and sample the produce. Win-win!

Welcome to Alan who joined us for his first GoodGym task 💪

Well done team 🙌

Another productive evening at Fox Den Community Allotment 💪

A huge welcome to Mark who joined for his first GoodGym Cambridge task 🎉

Mark and I met at Jesus Green to take a steady run to the task. Meeting Caroline and Michele there, we got to watering and harvesting. Another massive haul of tomatoes and chard this week. The whole allotment needed a good soak, and Mark did an especially impressive job, speeding to and from the water butt with a leaky watering can - not a drop spared. Before we left we all got stuck in clearing weeds from an overgrown bed. It was a four person (and a fork) job, as although very delicate looking on the surface, the network of weeds were bedded in well with deep stubborn roots to overcome. It was messy work and a lot of effort, making a successful removal all the more momentous (see picture of pure weed extraction joy) 🙌

As the sun started to go down we headed our separate ways, cycling, walking, and running along the river into the sunset. A perfect way to end a task.

Special mention to Caroline for the a-marrow-zing cake! Baked using the most enormous courgette we harvested last week - a whopping 1.8kg! 🥒 Absolutely delicious and much needed sustenance.