Despite the grey skies and the thick mud underfoot, this week's Prospect Parkrun brought together a fantastic group of parkrunners, volunteers, and supporters. The course was certainly on the slippery side, but that didn’t deter us for our Reading GoodGym launch!

Thank you to Prospect Parkrun for giving us a special shout out at the start of the event, and to Oxford GoodGym for coming out in force with us in our red t-shirts!

Even the trail shoes weren't quite enough today, and it was an achievement to stay upright the whole way round! Our leaflet stack was significantly depleted with lots of people interested in finding out more about GoodGym.

A much needed team coffee at the park cafe was the perfect way to warm up and reflect on the morning for runners and marshals alike.

A big thank you to all the Parkrun volunteers as always for putting on a great event! And remember, if you're coming to Prospect Parkrun before the summer, don't wear white!

GoodGym January Litter Pick Report

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in January’s litter pick! Despite the rain, wind, and occasional challenges, you all stepped up to make a real difference in your local communities. It’s inspiring to see the creativity and dedication you bring to these events. Let’s take a moment to celebrate some of your amazing efforts: • Gosia braved the evening rain and windy conditions in her local area, collecting bags, cans, and bottles. She even stumbled across two broken umbrellas – proof of how wild the weather was! Taking photos in the wind wasn’t easy, but she powered through. • Paul Browning explored Elmstead Woods and noticed a big improvement compared to last month – less litter to bag, showing how impactful regular clean-ups can be! He also took his efforts to Chinbrook Meadows, ensuring no path was left untouched. • Sally and Jacqui fished crisp packets and beer cans out of the canal during their litter pick. And after all that hard work? They fittingly celebrated with crisps and beer at the pub – a perfect way to finish the evening! I enjoyed my litter pick with my dog Gus and I was amused to see a sign which said not today next to a piece of rubbish see photo! Says it all!

Every contribution made a difference, whether it was in Elmstead Woods, local streets, or along the canal. It’s this shared effort and sense of community that makes these events so rewarding. You’ve all helped to make your neighborhoods cleaner, greener, and better for everyone.

Looking Ahead to February

Let’s keep this momentum going! We’ll be hosting another litter pick in February, and we’d love to grow the numbers even further. Why not invite a friend or family member along? Together, we can have fun, get active, and continue to make a positive impact.

As always, it’s about more than just picking up litter – it’s about building connections, supporting our local areas, and showing what a difference we can make when we work together.

Thank you again to everyone who got involved this month. Let’s make February even bigger and better!

Best wishes, Paul

GoodGymers across London - but especially in Tower Hamlets - went out to make their area a nicer place to be.

Goodgym twitchers were out in force for this years RSBP Big Garden Bird Watch.

Members from across the country took an hour out of their weekend to count birds in their gardens, local parks and green spaces. It seems a lot of curious pets got in on the action too although the dogs were not quite as interested as the cats!!

From London to Leicester and as far north as Manchester many birds (and squirrels) were counted including:

Robin, Wood Pigeon, Magpie, Crow, Jackdaw, Parakeet, Coal Tit, Blackbird, Red Kite, Blackcap, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Woodpecker, Great Tit, Sparrow!

Its great to see such a diversity of birds and we hope this data helps the RSPB to continue to protect these fabulous creatures!

(If you have done your birdwatch but not yet registered, feel free to add yourself or let me know and I can add you).

GoodGym Reading have now completed their first community mission 🥳

Five goodgymers met on a cold evening to do a litterpick around Reading town centre. Armed with bags and litter pickers kindly brought by Anwen, they set off to fill their bags. It wasn't long until Jacqui found our first pick of some cans lurking on the pavement!

With a wandering loop around the streets, we talked about what tasks we will be looking to do in future as we filled up the bags.

Sam and Sion joined us for the last leg after their run and helped us fill the bags!

With plenty of rubbish collected between us, (including several items of clothing?!) we tied up the bags and decided to warm up in Siren bar and continue our chat about what we'll do next!

You'll find us on 8th Feb at Prospect parkrun, sign up here! https://www.goodgym.org/happenings/prospect-parkrun-6bbe246e-46ff-4cf9-9632-437f0736ccb8