Last night, we ran up to Meanwood Valley Farm on a soggy evening and split into 3 groups. Rachel, Helen, Chloe and I were turning the rather smelly compost, this was a good workout but needless to say, we all headed home for baths afterwards. Christian and Jason who both did their 50th missions (well done guys) worked on some string beans & the rest did some dibbing, to get the ground ready for leeks. We loved it up at the farm and can't wait to head back! We finished off by posing as leeks and various beans for pictures :)

Great work all!

Welcome to Marcia and Lauren on their first sessions.

Last night we headed down to Meanwood Valley Farm for the first time in years. We had two teams at work tonight: Team 1, Lydia, Katie & Kawan clearing the garden & Christian & Lydia wheeling the vegetation to the the compost heap. Then there was Team Number 2, Kat, Katie, Jubz & Jason who were moving compost from one bin to the next. Not a hugely popular job as the compost was full of number twos from the farm animals! A smelly job indeed, but Jubz still managed a smile. Well done guys! At least you got to say hello to a friendly goat :)

THIS week we returned to Meanwood Valley Urban Farm to plant some grapevines.

We welcomed Caroline and Megan on their first goodgym task, and had a walking group this week led by Katie.

The walkers set off, taking a more direct route to the farm. After a warm-up everyone else then set off on a longer route - which was a total of 3km and included lots of hills.

The task involved using spades to loosen the compost, shovels to load the barrows, and strength to transport the compost. We managed to fill 2 of the holes positioned adjacent to polytunnels. We had to fill the holes with lots of compost to make sure the grape vines could grow in the right direction (through the polytunnel).

We then joined a ceremonious planting of the grape, a variety known as the phoenix. We learned that it is a very reliable grape and it will live for up to 200 years!

Well done everyone see you next week :)

On today's run we had a first time attendee to goodgym! Make sure to give Paul a cheer. We also had Sarah join us, who has now taken part in two areas, having previously run with Goodgym Lewisham.

The Run We ran through Meanwood Valley Trail and went the long way to the farm , about 3km, taking the ascent in our stride as we climbed Sugarwell Hill.

Once we'd arrived at the farm we were pleased to see the Alpacas, who were all huddled together near the entrance to the farm. A great way to end a run!

The Task

Tonight we were given a lesson on how to mulch apple trees, which turns out to be rather scientific!

Wood chip is used to help prevent weeds from sprouting, to help the trees retain moisture and help to fight off pests and disease. Ben at Meanwood Valley Urban Farm is the real expert, so you're best to come and ask him all about it the next time we go back to the farm. In the meantime, you can find out more here

We split into groups. Katie and Paul were stationed in the orchard and laid down the wood chip around the trees, whilst the rest of us took it in turns to fill barrows and transport the wood chip to the orchard.

Credit due to Katie and Paul, as Ben was complementary of the arrangement around the trees:

That looks very artistic!

By the end of the task, we had relocated at least 30 barrows full of wood chip, which was now protecting 6 more apple trees. Good work everyone!

Parting gifts

As a thank you for our efforts we were given bags to pick our own lettuce, which we all took home to enjoy.

We met at HPBC and were all ready for our run... when we were approached by student journalists! They wanted to find out more about our work in the community, so they tagged along and walked up to the farm to see what we were doing today.

The run

This week Helen suggested we take the hilly route to Meanwood Valley Farm, which meant running up sugarwell hill - an old favourite of Goodgym Leeds (in a way).

Around 3km later we made our final approach to the farm. After a quick greeting with the lambs, we went to go and find Ben to see what was in store for us today.

The Task

Ben had a good task lined up for us this evening - digging a trench to lay a new water pipe, to supply water for plants further along the plot.

It seemed like we had a lot of work to do... and we weren't sure if we had taken on a bit much! We needn't have worried, as we at Goodgym know how to get a task done ! It wasn't too much for us - laden with spades, and special trench spades we quickly removed turf and lay it out neatly next to the trench. It was sodding brilliant!

45 minutes later the pipe was in and the turf was back in place... its almost as though we were never there 😅

At the end of the task we were each thanked for our efforts and rewarded with bags of lettuce from the allotment 🥬

We took the more direct route back to base - and had worked up a good appetite for dinner. Well done everyone - mission complete!

Warm up

Today we started with a short warmup - jogging in a circle around the benches at the front of HPBC. After a few laps, a few different exercises and a change of direction, we attracted the attention of the staff at Hyde Park Book Club. At first we thought they were coming to join in... but in actual fact they had come to tell us off... as we were allegedly blocking the fire exit. Lesson learned - we will be more careful next time!

The Team

Today we had 8 runners join us on this typical spring evening. We welcomed Ellie on her first group run - who discovered us through a friend and Goodgym member in London. Congratulations to Mary who has now completed her 3rd task and welcome back Suzie after a break due to COVID.

*The Run - Outbound *

We set off on a 3km route to Meanwood Valley Urban Farm - returning there for the first time in 2 years. Rob led the way and Helen back marked.

The Tasks

Task 1: Creating a jenga pile of compost

Our first task was to move some compost outside - and create a tower - which resembled a giant game of jenga. Making good use of a conveyor system, within 5 minutes we had moved the pile and also warmed up for some wheelbarrowing!

Task 2: Moving lots of gravel to create a path

Our next task was to shovel and move gravel to help make a new path. We all got stuck in and in a little over 30 mins we had moved a few tonnes - and it was ready for the paving slabs to be laid down. We couldn't believe how much we had done in such a short space of time - and Suzie exclaimed

I can't believe where the time has gone

Bonus 1: Blast of the past

It was great to admire the wall , which was constructed by Goodgym the last time we were here, and some of the contruction team were here today (Katie). We were pleased that even though it was slightly wonky - due to it being made in the dark - it did the job just fine!

Bonus 2

Of course , this task wouldn't have been complete without looking at the new born lambs, some that were only 24 hours old. It was a great way to end the task.

The Run - Homebound

We left MVUF with optimism, pride and lots of kale - thanks Ben! - and made our way back to HPBC. We conquered the steep incline on the more direct route back.

Well done everyone for all your hard work this evening. Next week we are heading back to Kirkstall Valley Farm for some more fun at a farm!