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GoodGym is a wonderful initiative. It combines three of the most powerful ways of uplifting your own wellbeing – exercising, socialising, and, above all, doing good for others
Professor Lord Richard
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All of our tasks are fun, but this one really felt like we were having a clear and direct impact on those in need, and whilst packing the bags we could literally imagine a child opening their bag on Christmas Day.
Rachel
Battle the Himalayan Balsam (and the nettles!) at Battlemead
Help protect native biodiversity at beautiful Battlemead
Wednesday 21st May 2025
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Windsor and Maidenhead
Who's going?
About the task
Wednesday night is GoodGym night in Maidenhead, and this week we are venturing to the to Battlemead Common area to do battle against invasive Himalayan Balsam. The task location is tricky to find, so we will meet in the Boulters Lock Car Park and walk together approximately 1km along the Thames Path to our entry point. Note that you can't get to the area from the entrance on the lower Cookham Road.
Our task will be to pull up Himalayan Balsam, an invasive species, which can grow and spread dramatically and smother native species in the process. The roots tend to come up quite easily, making for a super satisfying evening!
Please note we will be working amongst nettles so long trousers and sleeves are a must. Please bring your gardening gloves plus any insect repellent and/or antihistamines if you are prone to bites or hay fever.
When we have completed the task we'll head back to the car park together on foot.
Can't wait to see you there!
Location
If possible please park elsewhere and walk to the car park.
This task supports the organisation Braywick Nature Centre
A community hub to promote awareness of the natural environment.
Working in partnership with Groundwork South, Braywick Nature Centre acts as a community hub to promote awareness of the natural environment with events, walks and talks across the borough, and through educational sessions for school, youth and other groups. The service also offers support for local conservation and amenity groups. The nature centre houses displays and exhibitions on wildlife, sustainability and local history, and has a large classroom for use by schools and other groups and is only open to the public when events are taking place. The nature centre is situated in an old stable block, originally part of the estate belonging to Braywick Lodge. The 19th century mansion house was demolished in 1969, however the stables were refurbished in 1989 to provide a centre for environmental activities in the borough.
See moreWhat to look out for
Make sure you've read our general guidelines for safety for taking part in a GoodGym session.
This is a GoodGym community mission. When we're doing a community mission we make our own way to the task, so you can choose to walk, run, or cycle. Thinking of cycling - check out our FAQs
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GoodGym is a wonderful initiative. It combines three of the most powerful ways of uplifting your own wellbeing – exercising, socialising, and, above all, doing good for others
Professor Lord Richard
||
All of our tasks are fun, but this one really felt like we were having a clear and direct impact on those in need, and whilst packing the bags we could literally imagine a child opening their bag on Christmas Day.
Rachel
About GoodGym
GoodGym is a community of people that get fit by doing good. We run, walk and cycle to do practical tasks for community organisations and isolated older people.