This evening, six GoodGym volunteers headed to Aldermoor Community Farm to lend a hand with some much-needed hedge trimming. Armed with shears and plenty of enthusiasm, we tackled the overgrown hedge along the farm’s boundary. In just one hour, we managed to complete the task - our best effort yet! It was a satisfying job that combined teamwork, fresh air, and a good arm workout!

Kudos to Ellie and Abby for running 4 miles to the task and to Robert for an hours walk!

We had a great evening this evening removing a large amount of himalayan balsam from along the local riverways. Having completed a couple of similar tasks with SCC last year we were confident with identification and how to handle the balsam and those new to it were fascinated by the alien like roots and how simple it is to remove.

Balsam is a very invasive plant that erodes local riverbed and banks unless it is kept on top of. We all did a stellar job clearing the site but particular kudos goes to Robert who cleared an extremely large clearing within the hour!!

This task was led by Final Straw, a fantastic charity organization fighting plastic pollution. We joined them along the Itchen River at a spot where thousands upon thousands of nurdles wash up. It required nimble fingers to collect as many nurdles as possible for Final Straw to use in their school visits. These tiny pieces of plastic are tough to pick up, making beach cleaning seem daunting, but every effort counts.

Wilson had the best find of the morning—a plastic AEP training bullet!

Tonight we helped get the event vehicle and equipment clean and organised for summer season. Sponges at the ready we got the gazebo cleaned off and hung out to dry. We are pros now when it comes to valeting so had the van ready in no time at all and then were left with just the small task of trying to fit a car cover to it! Hopefully that will keep it a bit cleaner while it’s parked under the tree. Great job everyone and an extra big well done to Sarah who completed her 100th good deed so donned the wings to celebrate :)