On a drizzly Saturday morning six Goodgymers ran or cycled to help the local community Green Hearts group and the wonderful Common Lot gang at the Valpy Allotments.

These local groups are trying to transform a lot of the overgrown and tangled plots so they can be utilised.

We were set to work with rakes, wheelbarrow and loppers and in the space of an hour we had cleared brambles and helped organise the space. Getting our steps in whilst also running rubbish up to the skip.

Luckily the rain held off and as a reward we were treated to homemade ginger and rhubarb muffins in the beautiful Common Lot lodge and we also got to admire their lovely community garden.

Arriving on time, two goodgymers (Frankie and Jonathan) continued the work from the previous week to clear an abandoned allotment plot which had become overgrown with brambles. They were provided with an excellent array of tools and food by the Green Hearts Community of people to keep their energy up.

A fire was immediately started alongside the allotment to burn the cut brambles. A cute mouse was found scurrying through the allotment and shortly before this we caught a glimpse of spring sunshine which broke through the clouds to inspire everyone and lift people’s spirits.

Four Good Gymers supported Green Hearts to clear weeds and brambles from overgrown allotment spaces for those waiting to grow their own veg. There was a significant amount of overgrown brambles and by clearing these it will help the reduction of allotment waiting lists in Norwich.