In support of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, 7 goodgymers carried out a Beewalk; gathering data on bumblebee populations in Colchester’s Castle Park. Welcoming new members, Sarah and Alexandra, Helen briefed everyone on the purpose of the project and about bee identification. A perfect hot summer evening in the park, we set off from the bandstand on the 2km transect walk. Bronwyn recorded the sightings we all made identifying various species, their caste and population. All Goodgymers chatted about what they were observing whether bee species or plant or flower type; we all learnt new information about common things around us. Stu uploaded the data gathered onto the beewalk database to add much needed support for this wonderful, much needed animal that is becoming increasingly uncommon in our changing world. Anyone can get involved in this citizen science project by following the link https://beewalk.org.uk

Four Goodgymers scoured the town for trash this evening, on a beautiful if rather chilly April evening. We headed east, via the Meanwhile garden in the cultural quarter, towards East Bay. We found lots of grot in the bushes and across the grass near a children's play area, and felt a warm glow of satisfaction from cleaning up the area for all the park users. Notable finds included a strawberry, a felted pumpkin, and a toaster. Wildlife encounters included trills from a Cetti's warbler, sleepy swans by the pond, and a curious fox, checking us out.

A beautiful day to do good and get fit. Wonderful to see the young runners enjoying junior parkrun at Old Heath recreation ground. Well done everyone for marshalling, timekeeping, co-ordinating, funnelling, cheering and encouraging.

6 GoodGymers plus Pam completed a day's work in one hour at the allotment. We pruned, strimmed, weeded, planted, munched, watered and more, very quickly leaving Colchester in Bloom's allotment in a much better shape.

With spring hitting, it is a busy time in the gardening world and so we will be back in two weeks to help out again.

Oh and the run title....I'm trying to get to grips with What Three Words to help new GoodGymers find us more easily, and this is the location of the shed at the allotment!

A dry and misty start in Colchester, for this week's junior parkrun. Louise was at the helm, run directing, with the rest of the team marshalling around the park. With additional support from the Duke of Edinburgh award volunteers, plus lots of regular helpers, the event was well staffed, and everyone did their bit to encourage the runners and walkers. Colchester junior parkrun is always looking for folk to help ensure that the event runs safely and smoothly, but it is a lot of fun and very easy. Email the volunteer coordinator, to get involved.