For this week's task, five intrepid GoodGymers braved the Cambridge thunderstorm to visit the Fox Den Community Allotment. ⛈️

Beth, Sandra, Kate, Catherine and I arrived to a mere smattering of rain, before it quickly developed into something heavier. Taking shelter, we met with Chief Allotmenteer Lorna to learn about today's task and assign roles. As well as preparing the paths, today we were to start on the hugel mound! A traditional permaculture method, a hugel mound is a raised bed filled with rotton wood and organic matter, creating a highly fertile soil from materials thay would otherwise go to waste.

First, we needed to dig a crater in which the decaying logs could go. Kate and Sandra wasted no time grabbing shovels and getting stuck in with the chiseling/flaking of the upper layers, while I filled watering cans to drench the layers beneath to help make it diggable. During our dig, we also learned from Lorna how Fox Den got its name, and we hope that one day the foxes may return! 🦊

Meanwhile, Catherine and Beth were on woodchip duty for the path maintenance task. With a wheelbarrow each, the pair completed multiple trips across the allotment, masterfully performing the labour-intensive job. Lulled into a false sense of security, jackets were removed during a dry spell - only for the rain to return when the pair were at the farthest point. Whoops! 🌧

Some rather spectacular thunder and lightning signalled that it was time to head to our August social! Passing sheltering cows, the group cycled to Calverley's Brewery (sadly, the weather once again scuppered our plans to picnic). We were really pleased Becky was able to join, meeting us at the bar just in time for the first beer sampling. Selling the group on the detroit-style pizzas, dinner was sorted. Thank you so much to everyone who came along, it really was a hugel-y enjoyable evening! 🍻🍕

Making the most of another sunny Sunday, GoodGym Cambridge headed out in force to Fox Den Community Allotment 🦊

Coming straight from a Social Mission, Catherine and I cycled over the together, and waiting for us were Daiana and Andrew. Soon after came Sandra and our two newest GGers, Anakha and Princy - welcome, both! 🙌

With Fox Den first timers getting the grand tour and introduction, we put on our gloves and picked up our tools to get stuck in! Daiana, Sandra and I had fun navigating the allotment paths with wheelbarrows full of woodchip to cover exposed areas, before assembling the Royal Cambridge Bug Hotel 🪲🐞🐛

A few rows across from us, Catherine helped the tomatoes get the support they needed, guiding the plants upwards and saving them from getting trampled 🍅

Pride of place in the middle of the allotment, Andrew, Princy and Anakha made impressive work of clearing the pond. A fantastic effort for their first visit and all should be really proud of what they accomplished! 💪

Excitingly, we even made a new friend in the form of a very friendly and cuddly cat. We all downed tools for a brief fuss! Now to decide on GG cat accessories for our latest recruit... 🐈‍⬛️

Before we left, the group gathered to congratulate Daiana on reaching 10 good deeds 🥳 We love having you as part of our team, and we look forward to seeing what you do with your next 10 deeds! As is traditional now, we celebrated with some delicious cake, and reflected on another lovely afternoon. A few even stayed on to harvest potatoes, so I think it's safe to say a good time was had by all! 😊