We met at Old Spike before our group run to Old Alleynian Rugby Club. Our warm up was short as we were all suitably warm from it being a scorching day! We ran over to Dulwich and met Ian who put us to work. Some of us helped seed bare patches of grass and others helped move some sand. Our treat at the end of was a game of touch rugby and a chocolate! Those who did the run back we went via Dawsons heights to check the view of the London skyline at sunset.

On a balmy Tuesday evening, a squad of eight set off from the Aquatics Centre for a classic GoodGym combo: run, task, teamwork, impact.

This week’s destination? The ever-welcoming Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground, where we were met by the indomitable Ange — beaming with good news. The playground dates back to the 1970s, when a degree of risk taking and challenge was all part of the design philosophy. Lots of the structures at the playground that support this philosophy are in need of replacement and Ange has recently secured some funding that will support long-overdue redevelopment work.

Those who’ve been on previous tasks here may remember shifting a hefty stack of wooden piles to free up one area for works. This time, the redevelopment zone had moved to the entrance where we'd moved them, so naturally, it was time to move them again! (strategic rotation?)

Armed with gloves, grit, and GoodGym spirit, we made short work of not only the infamous wooden piles but a few other bits of timber, too. Classic GoodGym efficiency — in and out, job done.

Special shout-out to our trio of first-time GoodGymers: Bianca, Lise and Mark — great to have you along and hope this is the first of many! And a warm Newham welcome to Richard, joining us for the first time in the borough — strong debut energy all round.

This task is always a favourite. Ange’s commitment to the playground and her legendary organisation mean it’s a joy to return each time — even if the wood just keeps moving in circles. Thanks to everyone who came along and made light work of a weighty task. Until the next pile shift... ply on! 🪵

Next week, we’re making a long-awaited return to the brilliant UP Garden — an award-winning community hub that’s been transformed from a disused laundry yard into a urban oasis for local residents. It’s always a pleasure to visit, and our host Suze will no doubt have a good list of tasks! 💪

Last night for our group run, we went to a block of flats in Kennington Park Road, to help the community there with their garden.

Firstly, we met at Old Spike which was the start of our run. We welcomed some newbies Diana, Sam and Nancy. Then after a quick warm up, we split into two groups and set off to Kennington at two different paces. Daryl's group were first to arrive, also meeting them there was James, Lindy and Richard. They all got stuck in the the first task, which was to move a shed. Diana, Nelly and I joined after. We all were given a variety of different tasks: moving soil, assembling furniture, trimming bushes and raking leaves.

Sandy and the rest of the TRA were really happy to have us. We made a big difference in the short amount of time. Well done all!

7 GoodGymers visited Camden's secret community allotments for an impactful (nature-bound) workout!!!

GoodGym teamed up with the lovely folk at EarthFest for this special session.

Earthfest is London's ultimate festival of sustainability, and we spent yesterday making an active difference in one special spot of nature!

Steve, Abigail (on their first good deed – welcome!), and I met at a very wet Earthfest, and we quickly headed out into the rain for a gentle 2 mile run through Camden Town.

Arriving 30 minutes later at Adelaide Community Allotments in Primrose Hill, we met up with the lovely group of Imogen, Majid, Natalia, and Richard, and our brilliant host Jeff directed us to our task for the next hour.

The Adelaide Allotments have been serving the local community for 50 years, and they're a bountiful collection of budding plots, each growing fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Our mission was to empty one of Adelaide's four compost heaps, which month-by-month had been breaking down into healthy fertiliser.

Over the next 60 minutes, our active group turned a task into an efficient human chain – they paired up and rotated between shoveling, wheelbarrowing, and bagging – and all while sharing stories and connecting :)

This group of 7 made easy work of the heap, and they left over 20 bags of compost, all of which will head straight back into the allotments – sustainable recycling in action ☺️

Thank you, everyone, and here's to next time!!