The cold, dark winter months are not the most appealing for being outdoors and active, but you just can't beat doing something that makes you feel good, supports the environment and still keeps you fit and healthy. ]

It was a solo mission this week as I headed out alone for a plogging session in Bolton Town Centre.

60 minutes and two big bags full of litter later, I felt so proud to have made a noticeable difference in one little corner of the town. Every single item of litter in that bin bag is one less piece of litter on the streets, and that feels just great!

It would be amazing to have some company next time so we can collect two, three or four times the amount of litter.

A brilliant group of GoodGym volunteers braved the cold for a frosty morning run and litter pick at a local beauty spot. Wrapped up warm, we ran a hilly trail to our destination, crunching over frosty paths along the way.

Once there, we got stuck into a litter pick, helping to restore the area and keep it looking its best. The reward? Stunning views and some surprising winter sunshine to finish the session on a high. Cold hands, warm hearts, and a job well done.

Last night’s group session didn’t quite go to plan… at least not the group part of it.

With no one signed up, I (Rowan) embraced the solo spirit and headed out on a lone plogging adventure around Bolton.

I started by running up to Queen’s Park in search of one of the brilliant Volunteer Vaults positioned in the car park. If you haven’t come across these before, they’re secure boxes stocked with litter pickers, bags, and other tools that anyone can use to help tidy the area. They’re a brilliant, accessible way to empower people to take care of their parks and green spaces. A veritable treasure chest for community action!

With my bin bag in hand, I made my way back towards Bolton picking up absolutely every bit of litter I could spot in the dark. And there was plenty. My route took me past Bolton Hospice, Bolton Lads & Girls Club, St Paul’s Church, Bolton General Practice, and finally Bolton Central Fire Station, stopping at each to grab cans, bottles, wrappers, and everything in between.

And as I went, I found myself thinking about something I’ve believed for a long time:

*people don’t drop litter where there isn’t any litter. *A clean space tends to stay clean; a messy space seems to attract more mess. So even one person, spending one hour, filling one bag, can help set a different tone for the whole community.

By the time I reached Bolton One, that one person (me!), one big bag of litter, and one determined plog had made a tidy difference to one stretch of road through town.

Here’s to next week - hopefully with some GoodGymers signed up!