On a gloriously sunny spring evening, Team GoodGym Hounslow gathered to get active, do some good and also celebrate a special occasion – Tish’s birthday! 🎉 What better way to mark the day than with a good deed, some hard graft, and brutal core workout?

Our task last night took us to Chiswick Allotments, where we were back helping the brilliant team at Wild Chiswick – a local community organisation focused on boosting biodiversity in Chiswick. They work to protect and promote wildlife habitats, educate locals about urban nature, and create spaces where pollinators, birds, and all manner of creatures can thrive in an urban environment.

On a golden evening, we set to work on a variety of tasks. The raspberry cane bed was cleared with care, persistent weeds were dug up, and an overgrown area was tamed – though not without a disclaimer to the task owner that a few non-weeds might be collateral damage in our efforts. 🌱

Meanwhile, Georgia gave the thirsty rhubarb a proper soaking – working up a serious arm workout in the process – while Steph and Maxime undertook the massive task of filling a giant water butt one can at a time. An endurance event in its own right!

As we toiled away, we became aware we were being watched. Not just by the other plot holders but by a curious fox and her cubs. With the job done and tools down, we ran (and cycled) back to Turnham Green for Tish’s Birthday Core Blast. It involved a relentless series of core exercises that were sure to give us abs of iron.

A good stretch followed (with various levels of flexibility judging by the pics - I couldn't be any further away from my toes while most of you are reaching them with the ease of a professional gymnast!), and then a stroll to the pub where cake and celebrations awaited. Happy birthday, Tish – and well done, team!

If you fancy an hour or two on the eyot in the sun this weekend, there is another session weaving branches coming up on Saturday.

Three GGers braved the mud to bundle pollarded withies on Chiswick eyot- and that is a series of words that can only be used in this niche context! Their efforts mean that the historic eyot will be protected from invasive crabs and will stay intact for hopefully years to come. Great work everybody! A special welcome to Pezhman who joined for his first session!