Magdalen Wood is a lovely spot. A little network of paths, lots of lovely trees and natural clearings. It is also, unfortunately, a HUGE litter grot-spot.

The main path through the woods has just been resurfaced in a very lovely track-like material (note to self, maybe a good place for an interval session.......) which has potentially attracted more pedestrians.

Wonderful, but the litter was ASTONISHING.

Working along the main paths we quickly filled up loads of bags - mainly beer cans and cigarette packets but with the usual smattering of clothes and weird and mystery items - anyone need a coin sorter?!?

Then a call came from Vicky who had discovered the aftermath of what must have been QUITE the party. Cans, cans as far as th eye could see. We considered just reporting it to the council but figured strength in numbers we could get it sorted. 5 goodgymers (who would have appreciated nose pegs) and 5 minutes later it was clear - good work team!!

We all appreciated lots of hand sanitiser and a good post-task scrub after all that.

Welcome to Goodgym Meg and Mae, it was wonderful to meet you.

One of the first phrases Antony uttered as we arrived at Marston Forest Garden! We hadn't, fortunately he had the tools and the skills required.

It was a glorious evening to spend at Marston Forest Garden. We had various tasks - mostly involving cutting back encroaching brambles and bindweed, weeding around struggling shrubs, shoring up an enthusiastic pear tree and giving everything a good water.

We learned about the proper way to weed mares tail, how to make VERY pungent natural fertiliser (comfrey leaves and water and let it sit and brew) and the importance of snipping down cuttings for compost.

Marston Forest Garden really is a gorgeous haven and we love coming here.

Fortified by tomatoes, red currants and dates we headed off for a lively evening run - across the fields and far away.

Glorious.