On a dark, wet and uninspiring evening, Southampton GoodGym headed to City Farm to tackle a mountain of compost. While the weather was doing its best to dampen spirits, we weren't going to let a little rain get in the way of some quality muck-moving! Armed with shovels and plenty of enthusiasm, we dug deep and got digging. The compost heap didn't stand a chance as we cleared it one shovelful at a time. Despite the darkness, everyone managed to keep their composture, even when faced with what seemed like a never-ending pile. By the end of the session, we'd shifted a huge amount of compost. It wasn't the most glamorous evening, but it was certainly one to make us feel mulch better about the world!

Ms W had problems with her pathway as the post worker was unable to reach her door to deliver parcels. She previously had a tree cut down and was going to use the bark as a cat scratcher. I cleared three bags of grass and a bucket of sticks over the hour and a half. It was sunny ☀️ more to be done! No final photo as not done yet but a good effort for the time.

It was lovely to welcome Poppy and Julie who are new to Sholing Valleys Study Centre / Millers Pond Nature Reserve for their Apple Day. We were soon hard at work putting up gazebos, setting up tables and chairs for the wonderful folk from Sparsholt College with their amazing apple harvest. Lots of lifting and shifting with the fabulous regular volunteers and Mac who are all passionate about giving nature a helping hand. Places like this are so important, connecting people with the earth and giving nature a chance to thrive in a city.

Lots of the team set out on solo missions to clear litter in their local areas. There were plenty of mini adventures with lost keys, broken grabbers and ninja children somehow managing to pick up big blocks of concrete with a litter picker! Plus Laura climbing into hedges to pick up every last bit, she is a very determined lady! It was a great job by everyone!

This Sunday outing did not leave us without a massive task on hand which was clearing the streets it St Mary’s. Without crossing more than 4 roads we picked up four bags full of rubbish, pizza boxes and plastic. We had multiple compliments from locals: “Bravo!” “Thank you so much, the other side of the road is way worse, it’s embarrassing. So well done!” “If everyone cleaned up it would be a nicer place to live. Well done for volunteering” “Hey, you guys want a drink?” Lewis our latest recruit is THE person to make this task a blast but also great fun. Thanks to Lewis for being a hero!

Last night's GoodGym session at Aldermoor Farm was a race against the fading light. We spent the evening cutting back willow branches, trimming hedges, and weeding planting beds to help keep the farm looking its best. With dusk closing in, the team worked hard and managed to get everything finished just before darkness took over. A satisfying evening of teamwork, fresh air, and community gardening.