This evening’s GoodGym task was a really special one, as we celebrated our 3rd birthday back at Aldermoor Farm, the very place where GoodGym Southampton began three years ago! Before we even lifted a tool, Ellie was busy dishing out birthday headwear. Bunny ears, birthday hats, tiaras and even a chicken were among the options, all enthusiastically (?) worn by the group. We paused for a group photo holding a birthday banner, making it clear from the outset that this was a special evening for us all.

We had a fantastic turnout and a real mix of GoodGymers, which made the evening even more meaningful. It was lovely to see Hannah, Lauren and Derek, who we hadn’t seen for a while and also to have people who have only started their GoodGym journey this year with us, alongside members who have been with us right from the beginning — a brilliant reminder of how welcoming and supportive GoodGym is. We also welcomed Jason from GoodGym Leeds, who happened to be visiting Southampton and decided to enjoy a spot of GoodGym tourism while he was here.

We had been set a task to cut back the big hedges which had become very overgrown, along with removing the sycamores, pruning the willow, cutting back plants to widen the paths and litter‑picking outside the farm. Just as we had started, we were joined by a journalist from the Daily Echo, who had come along to find out more about what GoodGym is all about. Wilson and Ellie both happily chatted away about how wonderful GoodGym Southampton is, while other members shared their own GoodGym journeys and what being part of the group means to them.

The task was completed and the area we had cut backed looked much better. Then to make the celebration complete, Ellie treated us all to cake. It was a perfect way to end a brilliant evening.

I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the last three years. We really are a wonderful team of beautiful people, all happy to give back and support the community around us. Fingers crossed that when we make the front page, that message comes across loud and clear (though not sure the wacky headwear will help - just glad i wasn't a chicken 🐔)

Four Super Slugbusters at Aldermoor Farm this evening on a mission to hunt for slugs, gathering them in a bucket ready to feed to the ducks in the morning. Wilson arrived about thirty seconds late — a rare event, given how often they preach about being early — so Abby and Ellie took full advantage, pressing their faces against the gate and insisting they’d been waiting ages. This ended up being a bonus though, because it meant they’d already had time to do a quick litter pick before Wilson had arrived. Plenty of slugs were found, especially on the infamous “slug tree,” the slug buckets were filled and carried well by Sarah and Abby making the whole task a slimy but satisfying success.

Inspired by watching someone spend a long time kicking a large bit of wrapping paper away from their car before they got into it (when they could have just picked it up!) I decided to do a quick litter pick before slug hunting at the farm. It wasn't long before i had a full bag of litter. We will have to return as there is so much more to pick!

This evening was a baby slug hunt! Teeny tiny sluggies... hopefully catching them now will reduce the damage they do as adults. Abby shared her slug knowledge ans was able to name the different species, very impressive.

We also welcomed Joana, her first task was possibly the slimeiest!

Great work team, not easy in the cold 😊

Five of us headed to Aldermoor Farm yesterday evening for a leafy challenge. The job was to clear up the leaves from the grassy area, load them into the wheelbarrow, and take them down to the chicken coops. We tipped the piles onto the muddy floor so they could soak up some of the mess and give the chickens something fun to scratch around in. We didn’t see the chickens—they were tucked up for the night—but we hope they woke up to a nice surprise this morning! There were a few laughs along the way, especially when Sarah got her hand stuck in the leaf grabbers (all good now!). Once the work was done, we admired the farm glowing with Christmas lights—a festive finish to a muddy but satisfying task.

This evening we gave the hedge a good trim, sifted soil ready for seedlings and turned one of the compost bays 😊