A brilliant evening spent helping SIN Cru at their Definitely Real Build site, continuing the wood clearing we started last month. They're creating a calm space for creativity, and the development has sustainability and biodiversity at its core. We're on board with that (last night, quite literally)!

It started with a run. All making the dash from work, Scott, Beth and Imet at Parkside and were joined this week by Kate and Alice. Having both done lots of good through community missions, it was fantastic to welcome them to their first group run 😎

It was the hottest evening so far this year, so we took it steady and chased the shade, winding our way up to North Cambridge, where we met Caroline, who had sped all the way across town on her bike. Arriving first, she had extra time for dog fuss!

After introductions and a briefing from Lucy, we split into a sawing crew and a wood pile crew. Back in his element, Scott wasted no time sawing down large wood beams at speed. There were a number of different methods trialled including a karate kid-style foot chop of strand board, which was occasionally successful. Alice and Caroline adopted an innovative approach, Caroline providing stability as a counter-weight. A very effective strategy as it turned out ⚖️

Nothing beats the feeling of successfully sawing through a piece of wood; all the effort for a very satisfying 'snap' as it comes free. There were cheers and celebrations all round as Kate sawed her first plank and Caroline conquered a particularly hefty section of tree trunk 🙌

To the back drop of whooping, the rest of us set to clearing the massive wood pile and bag of wood offcuts, taking them to be cut down or stacking in the wood store. Less muscle needed, but much more courage as the bag and pit were full of the most enormous spiders. 🕷️ Super-sized and super speedy, a respectful, mutually-agreed no-contact zone was soon in place.

After half an hour in the heat, energy was starting to wane, but the ever-thoughtful Beth had brought sweets and we were saved! 🍬 Drinks and shade (and more dog fuss) were in order.

Feeling recharged, we got back to it with bucket after bucket of wood making its way to be stored. We had some 'help' from our canine companions, but their sticks didn't make it to the store. 🤔

With Lucy delighted that we cleared the fire pit, which had not been seen for years, and the uncovered slugs and spiders much less delighted, it was time to go.

We enjoyed a cooler run back to Parkside (downhill on the way back, right?). Taking in the river views and reflecting on what a brilliant session it had been, we left, although slightly weary, more motivated for next week 💪

A new task for GoodGym Cambridge, heading to St Andrew's Church in Chesterton to help clear cut grass from the churchyard.

Scott and I met for a social run round Stourbridge Common, making the most of the beautiful evening. Once at the church, we were joined by Ilse, Caroline, Debbie and Beth, all keen for some GoodGym magic on a sunny Sunday.

The Church is part of Cambridgeshire Churchyards Conservation and a dedicated group of volunteers work to promote biodiversity in the churchyard. Growing wildflowers to support pollinators is a big part of the work and getting management of the grass right will determine the success. 🐝 We learned that if grass cuttings are left to rot into the ground, the soil becomes too rich for wildflowers to grow. 🌼

With the grounds spanning 3 acres, there was A LOT of grass to clear. Dispersing, we each covered a section, raking and packing into massive sacks for collection. It was one of our most physical tasks to date, and we were all really feeling it by the end of the session 😅

Scott was treated to a visit from a cinnabar moth - absolutely stunning and very on brand 🦋

We took a much needed refreshment break and a trip down memory lane with cups of Rose's lime cordial. Just the right level of tang.

With multiple sacks filled, and muscles aching, we called it an evening. Before heading off we spent some time talking with the church conservation volunteers to hear more about their plans to improve nature. A wholesome way to round off Great Big Green Week 💚

Pun credit: Scott