Three litter picking goodgym ninjas swept along Cowdray avenue hunting out litter this evening. The usual suspects - food wrappers, macdonalds cups and drinks cans were bagged up and left for collection by the council. Well done everyone!

On a chilly damp morning 7 GoodGymers turned up to cheer on, direct and keep safe some enthusiastic young runners. The core team were very grateful for our support as it made their job much easier in filling all the positions.

As many of our good deeds as Goodgymers have involved litter picking in and around the city, we were invited, along with a number of other fellow community volunteers to a 'meet and greet' with the Mayor at the town hall. Scotty, co-ordinator of the council's litter warriors initiative, organised this recognition and celebration event to say thank you, and to facilitate discussion about keeping the city looking beautiful. There were lots of great discussions about how best to keep litter under control. We also spoke with several councillors and council staff about wider environmental issues, and of course promoted Goodgym wherever possible!

A flock of Goodgymers in and around Colchester waited with bated breath and baited bird tables to see...... not very much actually. Pigeons were plentiful, so were magpies, gulls and starlings, but very few landed. Our favourite visitors, such as robins, bluetits and longtailed tits were taking shelter elsewhere, and who can blame them in this stormy weather. A disappointing watch, but vital data for the RSPB, and a reminder not to take our wilder friends for granted. Upload all your sightings (and none!) to the RSPB website. Support your local population of wild birds by planting native wildflowers, fruit bushes or trees, putting out a water bowl, and maybe offering a nest box or two if you have space.

Gathered a huge, heavy bag of litter from around the neighbourhood. Very damp weather, leading to very soggy litter!

Removed and bagged up another 5 bags of plastic tree sleeves for collection by the council. The trees no longer need them! The area is now a happier place for nature.

Gathered two heavy bagfuls of litter off the ground and away from wildlife, making the area more pleasant for everyone. One plastic snake, two lone socks, a tee shirt, and many many bits of plastic wrappers.