We enjoyed something a little different this weekend with a combined task in Cambridge, welcoming GoodGymers from Tower Hamlets to join us at Fox Den Community Allotment.

Becky, Debbie and I met tourists Darren, John and Kareem at the station, where Darren led us in a mobility focused warm up before we set out for a jaunt to the allotment. Taking a scenic route along the river and across the common, we soon had the allotment in sight, and never one's to turn down a challenge Kareem and Darren even managed an impressive sprint finish. I hear there was a cap peak in it.

We were greeted by a smiley Harriet and shortly afterwards joined by Ilana and Brian, who all arrived by bike, in true Cambridge style. Helena and Jacob made it a perfect 11! Shout out to Brian and Helena who joined for their first GoodGym task 🙌

As always, we were warmly welcomed by task partner, Lorna, who told us the fascinating history of the allotment and their plans to develop a forest garden on site. These incredible ecosystems rely on established trees and bushes to create nutritious soil where mycelia thrive, allowing plants to communicate and support hydration. Eventually, after 20ish years (or 1000s of GG sessions) the garden becomes self-sustaining. 🌿

Helping towards the forest garden goal, our tasks for the session involved weeding, digging and some rather unusual pond work.

Making a start on the weeding Debbie, Harriet, Helena and Ilana split between the Hugel mounds (created in a previous GoodGym session) and did a smashing job of clearing the beds.

Jacob and Becky were in charge of transforming a previously cleared storage area into a bed ready for planting, by raking and turning the soil before soaking it. Proper hard graft 💪

The rest of the group were on pond duty. First up they removed the (empty!) body-shaped bag then trampled the greenery that had taken root, choosing an innovative dancing method. Like Morris dancers round a maypole, they stomped (and clapped) the grass flat, employing some jumping to finish it off. The pond then had to be filled with clay, which proved to be a proper strength workout with a lot of heavy lifting, never seen before by the Tower Hamlets group 🏋️‍♀️ Everyone got involved and even a toad came to say hi 🐸 With all the clay bags empty and the pond full, it was ready to be left for the rain, which will soften and level it, making it suitable to be tampered into shape. A task for another day.

In just one hour then area was transformed proving that ponderful things happen when GoodGymers come together. 💛

Feeling pretty spent, it was time for some refreshment, so we headed to the river for well-earned pizza and beers. Then, eager to make the most of time in Cambridge we went on a little tour, taking in the views from St Mary's tower (another workout climbing the 123 steps!), enjoying some tasty gelato from Jack's, and rounding off the day in the sunshine ☀️

A beautiful day, channelling true GoodGym spirit, doing good and connecting with others. We look forward to visiting Tower Hamlets for more of the same soon 🙌

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

We were out pounding the streets again this weekend in support of Cambridge City Foodbank, delivering letters to raise awareness of their work.

Meeting to run to the task, Catherine welcomed Dani, who joined (definitely not defected) all the way from Luton, and Debbie who came for her first GoodGym session. Delighted to have you both join us 🙌

Taking a scenic route along the river and through the graveyard (only the best for new GoodGymers), we met Daiana, Scott, Michele, and Beth on Mill Road. An altogether jolly group of posties 📨

In pairs, each taking a main road, we split off to get delivering. Although the main focus was posting, there was time to admire some beautiful flowers (particularly the wisteria and roses) and stained glass, providing lots of inspiration. In just 30 minutes we'd delivered 250 letters. Swift work, and not at all motivated by the thought of coffee and pastries...

We reconvened and relocated to Mill Mediterranean Coffee Spot and enjoyed mammoth drinks and a variety of sweet treats while we chatted about the joys of storage units, garden centres, and bowling. Rumour has it that someone once got married in a bowling alley but we're unclear if they actually walked down the lane 🎳

Summoning pastry-based energy, Debbie and I ran back to our meet point through Midsummer common, enjoying the trees and activity on the river.

A social was the perfect opportunity to mark good deed milestones for Scott and Michele who are both celebrating reaching 10 Good Deeds 🎉 Absolutely brilliant and a solid commitment to making a difference in our community 🫶

Today was fun. As well as good deeds, we had good movement, good laughs and good pastries - all the best bits of GoodGym 💛