With the clocks sprung forward and the light lingering a little longer, we gathered as usual outside the Phoenix Cinema for our pre-run chat on a beautiful spring evening. Better still, we were joined by two new recruits, always a welcome sight.Kbrom and Kidanemariam

To keep things simple, we kicked off with the important business of sharing our favourite colours, arranged from black to blue. Green turned out to be the winner with two votes, while Subham’s answer, naturally, varied according to mood.

Our task was pleasingly local .. just a 500m run downhill to Cherry Tree Wood, where we were helping the Friends group with some evening conservation work. On the way, and while there was still good light, we made the most of the grassy area for a warm-up: jogging in a wide circle, side steps, knees up, ground touches, direction changes, and a short sprint to catch the person in front. We even had time for a quick throw of the frisbee, which felt like a fine way to welcome the lighter evenings.

At the woods we met fellow volunteers including András and Rodger, who talked us through the tasks. One group cut back raspberries, while the other gathered dry branches and sticks to help create a natural dead hedge protecting the orchard area from the main path. Rodger had recently done a course on the technique, so the fence-building came with extra enthusiasm and know-how.

Soon enough we were hauling branches, building piles, and transporting materials across the site while the sun dropped and the different stages of twilight showed themselves through the trees. It was one of those evenings that reminds you why GoodGym is such a pleasure: fresh air, birdsong, nature, teamwork, and useful work done well. The finished fence looked fantastic too well worth a look in the photos.

After that, it was a short run back up the hill to the Phoenix for a warm-down, some stretches, and our goodbyes.

A lovely evening, great company, two new faces, and another satisfying bit of work for one of our local green spaces.

It was just me for the churchyard clean up this morning, as Marsha was called away on short notice for other duties. With gorgeous sunlight and spring bringing all the flowers into bloom, the churchyard at St Katherine's is completely glorious right now.

I met Andreas and he showed me the equipment, but luckily I had a few things of my own as well. There were two main jobs: cut back the yew trees along the main path so the Epitaphios can be carried there for the Easter procession in a few weeks' time; and litter pick the yard and surrounding pavements. The first job was quick, but the litter pick was a solid hour - the entrance opposite Friary Park was particularly bad.

There's a bit more maintenance to do to clear up leaves and fallen branches and move them to the fence adjacent to the golf course, so I may list a follow up mission in a couple of weeks' time.