This Tuesday, a group of runners, walkers and cyclists arrived at Stanmer Organics to lend a hand to the Centre of Ecotherapy CIC, the home of a brilliant community sauna and a healthy dose of eco-therapy. We welcomed new GoodGymer Rib, Rebecca.

We split into two teams on arrival. One tackled levelling and compacting a patch of ground for a future yoga and meditation tent, plus some enthusiastic branch-lobbing. The other went full nettle-ninja, clearing paths ahead of a kids' visit so no one will come away stung.

Liz, who runs the site, was clear on the house rules: nothing gets chopped back more than it has to. Nature's in charge, the odd branch to the face will just keep us humble.

In between tasks, there were rake-dropping reaction tests, grasshoppers landing on hands, and marjoram identified (delicious smell!).

Task complete, we had a very generous feast of cold courgette and broccoli soup (Liz went to lots of effort to cool it down in this heatwave, thankfully), bread, hummus, hot cross buns, cake, and watermelon. We finished by launching the watermelon rinds into a compost bucket from a distance. In GoodGym fashion, only slightly competitive.

Stamner are throwing open the gates for a public open day of lots of their projects on 25th July. Worth a look! https://stanmerorganics.com/2026/06/23/stanmer-organics-open-day-2/

Mission Commencement: Tuesday, 1830 hours.

The Squad: Eight GoodGym operatives arriving via foot, bike, and bus.

The Objective: Clear a severe nettle insurgency to liberate the allotment’s blackberry and pear trees.

Tactical Execution The team deployed immediately upon arrival. Operatives Sarah, Stefania, and Ruth formed the frontline defense against the stingers, bravely cutting them back (smartly utilizing their advanced tactical gear: long trousers). The rest of the squad provided crucial support, handling general weeding duties to secure the area.

Meanwhile, Michael was sent on a solo side-quest to prep the allotment beds for incoming squashes. During the excavation, he uncovered some hidden assets: rogue potatoes and what local liaison Warren officially described as the "Biggest Garlic bulb we’ve ever seen."

Mission Accomplished With the enemy nettles decisively defeated and defensive cardboard successfully laid, all objectives were secured, and the squad stood down for a mandatory debrief inside the pub. The evening concluded successfully with some well-earned refreshing drinks and a bit of covert World Cup viewing.

Mission Status: 100% success

Yesterday, we saw record GoodGym participation to help a new organisation: the MEP Multiculture English Project Garden Project. Since 2010, the project has taught gardening, horticulture, and English language skills to asylum seekers, providing a dedicated space to put this knowledge into action.

We welcomed back returning GoodGymers—Rob, Rachel, Rebecca, and Rosie — alongside tree brand-new members: Liz, Abdallah, Mohammed. They all took on the fitness challenge of running or cycling uphill for nearly 5km to reach Roedale Valley Allotments, located in a lush green valley near the top of Ditchling Road. Once there, Will welcomed the team with several tasks, including landscaping, weeding, turning compost, and wheelbarrowing mulch up and down the allotment slopes.

Another Workout for the Future!

Allotments are invaluable community assets that boost health and wellbeing, provide sustainable growing spaces, and create biodiverse green corridors. Beyond being a vital part of our city's heritage, they play a crucial role in our future. These sites act as critical urban wildlife havens, supporting plant, insect, and animal life by providing diverse microhabitats. In fact, these sanctuaries can support up to 50 times more pollinators than standard council-managed parks. Furthermore, the project's allotment sessions help participants learn new vocabulary, engage in physical activity, and adopt healthy lifestyles—massively benefiting their mental health, confidence, and self-esteem.

It was a thoroughly pleasant evening supporting a fantastic new initiative—definitely one to remember and return to!

Want to get involved? Check out what else is coming up HERE at GoodGym Brighton.

Here's Lucy report of our group session with the Friends of Vale Park. Welcome!

"It was only my second time at GoodGym Brighton and yet I already feel very much a part of this wonderful group.

This week we battled the high winds and ran or cycled from Brighton/Hove up to Vale Park in Portslade, which was a lovely way to shake off the cobwebs from the working day.

When we arrived, we were met with stunning rose bushes lining one side of the park filling the space with bright red, pink, orange and white colours. They needed de-weeding so local residents could continue to enjoy them – and that’s where we came in!

So we donned our gardening gloves, picked up our shears and joined the Friends of Vale Park to pull up the weeds in the flower beds. Everyone did a great job - the before and after shots are quite something!

I don’t get much of a chance to do gardening myself, but I absolutely loved it, and it was an excellent way to take part in the Great Big Green Week. Getting away from screens and out in the fresh air just does something to you! And it’s even better when you’re doing it with other people and you know the work you’re doing is having a positive impact.

We finished up with some delicious Pret pastries in the sun which Stefania kindly brought for us.

Safe to say, I really loved the session, and I can’t wait to be a regular at GoodGym Brighton."

This week GoodGym's Workout for the Future falls during The Big Green Week 2026 and showcases another inclusive and organised "green deed" benefiting the green spaces near us.

From GoodGym Environmental Statement:

GoodGym increases biodiversity in cities.

Yesterday, GoodGym Brighton supported the sustainability of the pollinator-friendly rose oasis at Vale Park, Portslade. 🌹🐝 To protect a thriving ecosystem of bees, butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects, GoodGym targeted approach to weeding is essential. Removing aggressive, invasive weeds stops them from dominating the landscape. By selectively clearing green spaces, GoodGym gives native plants the light, space, and nutrients they need to grow. This simple act restores the natural habitats and food sources our local wildlife depends on! 🌿✨