Yesterday, we saw record GoodGym participation to help a new organisation: the MEP Multiculture English Project Garden Project. Since 2010, the project has taught gardening, horticulture, and English language skills to asylum seekers, providing a dedicated space to put this knowledge into action.

We welcomed back returning GoodGymers—Rob, Rachel, Rebecca, and Rosie — alongside tree brand-new members: Liz, Abdallah, Mohammed. They all took on the fitness challenge of running or cycling uphill for nearly 5km to reach Roedale Valley Allotments, located in a lush green valley near the top of Ditchling Road. Once there, Will welcomed the team with several tasks, including landscaping, weeding, turning compost, and wheelbarrowing mulch up and down the allotment slopes.

Another Workout for the Future!

Allotments are invaluable community assets that boost health and wellbeing, provide sustainable growing spaces, and create biodiverse green corridors. Beyond being a vital part of our city's heritage, they play a crucial role in our future. These sites act as critical urban wildlife havens, supporting plant, insect, and animal life by providing diverse microhabitats. In fact, these sanctuaries can support up to 50 times more pollinators than standard council-managed parks. Furthermore, the project's allotment sessions help participants learn new vocabulary, engage in physical activity, and adopt healthy lifestyles—massively benefiting their mental health, confidence, and self-esteem.

It was a thoroughly pleasant evening supporting a fantastic new initiative—definitely one to remember and return to!

Want to get involved? Check out what else is coming up HERE at GoodGym Brighton.

Here's Lucy report of our group session with the Friends of Vale Park. Welcome!

"It was only my second time at GoodGym Brighton and yet I already feel very much a part of this wonderful group.

This week we battled the high winds and ran or cycled from Brighton/Hove up to Vale Park in Portslade, which was a lovely way to shake off the cobwebs from the working day.

When we arrived, we were met with stunning rose bushes lining one side of the park filling the space with bright red, pink, orange and white colours. They needed de-weeding so local residents could continue to enjoy them – and that’s where we came in!

So we donned our gardening gloves, picked up our shears and joined the Friends of Vale Park to pull up the weeds in the flower beds. Everyone did a great job - the before and after shots are quite something!

I don’t get much of a chance to do gardening myself, but I absolutely loved it, and it was an excellent way to take part in the Great Big Green Week. Getting away from screens and out in the fresh air just does something to you! And it’s even better when you’re doing it with other people and you know the work you’re doing is having a positive impact.

We finished up with some delicious Pret pastries in the sun which Stefania kindly brought for us.

Safe to say, I really loved the session, and I can’t wait to be a regular at GoodGym Brighton."

This week GoodGym's Workout for the Future falls during The Big Green Week 2026 and showcases another inclusive and organised "green deed" benefiting the green spaces near us.

From GoodGym Environmental Statement:

GoodGym increases biodiversity in cities.

Yesterday, GoodGym Brighton supported the sustainability of the pollinator-friendly rose oasis at Vale Park, Portslade. 🌹🐝 To protect a thriving ecosystem of bees, butterflies, birds, and beneficial insects, GoodGym targeted approach to weeding is essential. Removing aggressive, invasive weeds stops them from dominating the landscape. By selectively clearing green spaces, GoodGym gives native plants the light, space, and nutrients they need to grow. This simple act restores the natural habitats and food sources our local wildlife depends on! 🌿✨

Brighton goodgymers walked, jogged and cycled to Manor Paddock to meet with task owner Luc who quickly put us to work.

As always, Luc was prepared for our help and had numerous seperate garden jobs already set up with kneeers, tools, gloves and bags.

We got to work pulling up weeds that were taking over the flower beds, as well as raking up cut grass and cutting back plants in various stages of wildness. The difference that many hands made in a short time was unbelieveable and all jobs were completed.

Luc, as always, was very grateful to have our help as they normally tend the garden alone and it becomes overwhelming very quickly.

As a bonus we also managed to dodge the promised rain, despite the ominous sounding thunder that was our evenings musical accompaniment!

15 GoodGymers ran out to Valley View Gardens ready to get stuck into some gardening at the YMCA… but sometimes plans have other ideas. We’re pretty good at going with the flow (and the run).

First stop: a quick drop-off of rescued food from Olio—because sharing is caring and no good food should go to waste.

With our original task off the table, we didn’t leaf it there. Instead, we branched out to the nearby Round Hill Conservation Area. We were only there last week, but turns out the weeds didn’t take the hint. We tackled overgrown trees, gave the pavements a good de-weed, and helped make the area safer by clearing trip hazards.

Good to see familiar faces, Philippa and Michael, and returning, fair weather 🌞 GoodGymers, who keep powering our amazing Brighton Area with their Good will. Welcome back Amy and Cagdas.

Our donation of food, sandwiches and pastries, was a huge hit at the YMCA today. It was a tough day for many, expecially the residents and staff, and we’re happy we could help lift their spirits.

All in all, a tree-mendous effort from everyone—proof that even when plans change, GoodGymers always find a way to make a difference 🌱

We will be back here next week!