When Maggie had a surprise grass cut at the church yard, she put the emergency call out and four super GoodGymers answered to help clear it 💪

Scott arrived off the back of a 10km training run, Harriet cycled across town, and both Jacob and myself being local, could take an easy stroll. Convening in the church yard, we welcomed Jacob to his first session 👋 Although a familiar face, it was great to have him join a task!

We were met by Chris, who is a pro at grass clearing, having been involved for a number of years and sometimes clearing 8 lots a year! From first glance there didn't seem to be much grass, but it didn't take long to realise there was plenty to be collected!

We raked and chatted, catching up on fine dining experiences, The Odyssey and, of course, race training. We had a lovely little pause to meet a very cute pup who joined us in a bit of grass clearing, but was mainly interested in a bit of fuss, which we were all more than willing to give 🐶

It's warm work, so the refreshment break was very welcome. Both elderflower and lime cordial on offer this week. We heard more from Maggie and Chris about the Churchyard Conservation Awards, which support parishes to protect biodiversity. St Andrew's is going for Silver, which requires active management including wildflower areas, wildlife information boards, animal boxes and clearing of grass cuttings.

Within an hour we had cleared 3 large bags of cuttings 😅 With the judges coming in the next few weeks, we were glad to be able to help. Good luck 🙌

Pun credit: Scott 🍰

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