GoodGym made a return to Meadow Lane this week, supporting a brilliant volunteer‑run project that’s transforming a local playground into a nature‑inspired space for children and the wider community. The aim is to encourage active outdoor play, whilst protecting the local wildlife and promoting biodiversity. We split into two teams to help move the project forward. One group got stuck into cutting back ivy and removing old wire fencing, using hammers to flatten any sharp ends. Clearing this area will open up a new area for children to explore safely. The second team focused on moving logs & branches to build an exciting new den and hideout space for children. We also had a very special guest GoodGymer - Isabella the dog. Isabella took on branch-moving responsibilities and kept morale high!
We’re looking forward to returning next month to continue the transformation, and build more dens!

A balmy spring (yay!) evening saw us back at Rose Hill Junior Youth Club, picking up our help with their preparations for new planters, to make the site just that little bit brighter.

Standing on the ground we'd previously cleared of shrubs, Meg ran us all through what was needed - part filling the newly delivered planters with small pieces of wood and topping up with compost from a GIGANTIC compost sack - a great arm and abs workout.

With so many of us, we even managed to form a splinter group to pick up some of the litter both on- site and in the surrounding streets - featuring chat about what makes a good litter picker (good grippy prongs) and multiple fun running and cycling escapades.

Looking forward to seeing the planters in all their glory!

Welcome to the group, Elsa!