Commuters, tourists, and (even) dog-walkers were all trying to get away from the rain at 6.15pm last night.

The same time as this lovely GoodGym group were trying to jump into the first splashes of Autumn!

Caitlin, Daisy, John, Steve, and I took temporary shelter under a Regent's Park tree before embarking on a steady run through the park, past the Abbey Rd zebra crossing that the tourists love, and the world's most bountiful rainbow!

Our destination was the West Hampstead Sherriff Centre — a home for community housed within a revamped church :)

Which was where we met Dan (on their first good deed — welcome!!), Imogen, Jackie, Siobhan, and Will, and we quickly grabbed pickers and bags to tackle the litter that accumulates...

...which was less than usual! Albeit 2-3 small bags of things that are better on their way to being recycled :)

Thank you, everyone! See you soon!

On Wednesday 14 of us went to do some weeding at Peckham Rye Park and Common Tiny Forest (which has grown a lot since our last visit!) followed by a game of bowls at Peckham Bowls. We did get caught in the rain on our loop of the park but it stopped by the time we got to Tiny Forest. And luckily was dry for the rest of the evening.

13 inspiring GoodGym folk made a wonderful difference in Kentish Town last night!

Some people can distinguish a grass from a weed and a weed from a flower. I am not one of these people.

But many of these intelligent beings... everyone apart from me... were present in our special group!

Our group in red 👉 Alison, Danny (on their first good deed - hello!), Helen, Imogen, Jackie, John, Majid (on their first good deed - huge welcome!), Sarah, Siobhan, Steve, and Will 👉 arrived in Kentish Town (not far from the Prime Minister's house!) to meet the wonderful Hilda (who was also on their first good deed!!) 👉 and we were there to help her cultivate a healthy hedgerow 🌳💚

I watched in awe as this group identified the 'keeps' from the 'get-rids' while also sharing stories and connecting. The weeds were piled – bag upon bag – and the remaining wild flowers and bushes noticeably started to breathe. And I resorted to taking photos and walking up and down in an attempt to look busy.

Across 60 bright evening minutes this group opened space in the hedgerow – and the fruits of their efforts will carry through into June and beyond – this would have taken a single soul 13 hours to match!

Thank you so much, everyone, for a well-spent evening ☺️

Here's to next time!