12 GoodGymers met on a warm, sunny evening to continue bashing the invasive Balsams so they don't overwhelm the biodiversity of the riverbanks and neighbouring farmlands.

We welcomed Claire who's restarting her GG adventures in Maidenhead having done plenty of good work in Islington. Along with Claire, we had another new face - young Phoebe, a first timer who's in town for her Uni break.

Jess, currently undergoing the Fitness Leader training, took over to lead an active travel session. After a security briefing which included crossing the road safely, she led us down the Thames path to the bashing arena. Before entereing the woods, a quick pit stop was needed for everyone to put on protective layers against the prickly nettles.

Here, Jess cautioned us about safely navigating the broken fence, the uprooted tree, the other uprooted tree with the barbed wire and the low hanging trees (and the nettles!). Forewarned and overdressed, we proceeded to the clearing to resume the balsam bashing.

Time flew by as we chatted, uprooted, sweated, yelped at being pricked and had a grand old time. On the hour, we headed back and ended the evening with some stretches in the light of the setting sun.

Thanks to Georgeta for the lovely photos and Kanika, for being the Back Marker.