On a gloriously sunny Saturday morning I headed off to Strawberry field in the fine city of Norwich. I’ve run and ridden my bike past the 8 ha public access meadow many times and never knew it was there. A few other volunteers (mostly local residents) turned up ready to pull Ragwort from the sways of wild meadow area. We all donned hats and had come ready in long sleeves and trousers to wander through the long grass pulling at any of the not so welcome yellow flowered plants. Whilst an important habitat for insects, especially the Cinnabar moth, the neighbouring field homes donkeys for whom the plant is poisonous. Our efforts helped remove the plants so the meadow would be left a wildflower haven rather than being mowed. If you are in the area have a wander through this tranquil field.

You always think you know where you’re going on a Goodgym mission, did my homework but on arrival, no I didn’t . After a 10 minute run along the UEA lake I gave in and rang Matt the task organiser, yes I was heading the wrong way. Back tracking I had to ring again, full of apology, he gave me a focal point and came to find me 🙈 . He was very pleased that I’d turned out to help so that made me feel better. Strawberry Field is full of beautiful wild flowers, bees, butterflies, but also loads of Ragwort which needs to be pulled up. Matt, during lockdown ran around this area and noticed it was occasionally mowed but wasn’t used so he found the landowner who was happy to let a community project turn it into a proper wildflower meadow with the landowner just mowing a path around the land which is next door to land with donkeys on. An hour of hard work pulling up Ragwort along with some other local volunteers, Matt was very pleased with our work and will request Goodgymers help at the next date.