Waking up tired and under the weather I decided to forgo the scheduled GG task at Boundary Brook and do my own (much needed) litter pick around the streets where I live. I walk them a lot and remembered the path towards the Kassam by the Windale primary school was always very litter filled - and the area didn't disappoint! (And so also did very much disappoint).

Using a sturdy plastic bag I picked up en route as well as the 2 I brought with me I filled 2.5 large bags on my mile walk. As per GG tradition I found an unidentifiable piece of clothing as well as a nice little torch.

November Autumn/Winter clean at the Oxford Mutual Aid.

This month we moved crates and racking in the lower central part of the main hall to clean that area. The ever-intrepid Ben scaled a ladder to sweep many years of accumulated cobwebs off the end window. Add to that the regular kitchen clean, fridge scrub and fresh-food check, and we made light work of our monthly 'spring' clean task.

We divided between two tasks last night, but both had the same theme - making sure people can access food whatever their personal circumstances.

5 GoodGymers helped serve and clear up at Oxford Homeless Project's evening meal.

This was Oxford Homeless Project's first community meal in over 3 years, and with a switch from Monday lunch to Wednesday evening it was hard to know whether the word would get out quickly. But it did, and the atmosphere was lovely, the food delicious and both volunteers and guests had a fun and friendly evening.

11 GoodGymers pounded the streets to deliver leaflets recruiting volunteer delivery drivers for the Oxford Mutual Aid food bank.

The rest of our lovely team set off along the streets of Cowley to deliver hundreds of leaflets for our pals at Oxford Mutual Aid Food bank. Streets were pounded, flyers delivered, and we got judgey about letter flaps again.

Lovely to have you along to GoodGym Oxford Cat.

The C S Lewis Nature Reserve is a hidden gem on the edge of Oxford, connecting to Shotover Common. It is managed by BBOWT volunteers.

One of the biggest challenges, particularly since the surge in outdoor activities during the COVID lockdowns, has been encouraging people to stick to the footpaths instead of wandering freely through the nature reserve. The volunteers have built barriers from fallen wood and put up signage explaining why it is important to stick to the path, but people dismantle them and rip up the signs. This has meant damage to the delicate woodland habitats, including trampling bluebells.

Our task yesterday was to hammer in sturdy stakes either side of the wooden barriers to make them stronger and more permanent, and then to build them up further with fallen wood and bramble cuttings. Some of our team weeded and cleared nettles from around hedgerow saplings, and then we all reconvened to cut back brambles to extend a woodland glade area.

A very productive session.

Welcome to GoodGym Artur!