We lichen winter pruning at Margaret Wright Community Orchard.

Our second year joining the Abbey People team to prune the apple trees. Getting it right now will result in a healthier, more bountiful crop in the summer 🍎

Each cycling to the task, taking extra care on the icy roads, Harriet, Nick and I met at the orchard. Nick brought extra energy and positivity for a cold January morning ✨

We had an introduction from Leo, whose passion and knowledge inspired us all to get going! We learned how to prune effectively to ensure the tree grows in the most efficient shape, energy is directed to productive areas, and so that the tree looks nice (aesthetics are important too!). We learned about tip pruning of younger plants and using thinning cuts on more established trees to ensure there is enough light getting to the buds.

We got to it, finding the outward-facing buds and chopping, as well as removing water shoots (new, non-fruiting shoots), which prevents energy being wasted on growth where it's not needed.

It was a cold one today, so extra kudos for GoodGymers who showed up to start January strong 🙌

Once again, the GoodGym gang spread their efforts across Cambridge to help out at this weekend's Parkrun, with Catherine and Caroline bound for Brook Leys and Harriet heading to Fulbourn Hospital.

With Harriet leading the charge on the other side of Cambridge, Caroline handed out finish tokens and Catherine ran the course before helping with post-event close down. A whopping 451 others joined her to run, jog, walk and wheel at the last event before Christmas, bringing plenty of festive cheer! 🎅

🥐☕️ After some pastries and hot drinks to warm up, Catherine and Caroline jumped on their bikes and headed out to Fleam Dyke to make the most of the glorious winter weather. Caroline even kept up the tradition of getting a puncture, though at least it happened right at the end this time! 🚴‍♀️

❄️ The crisp winter's day helped everyone feel festive and it was marvellous to see so many people braving the cold and feeling festive 🎄

We put down our litter pickers, brooms and shovels and headed to the most highly decorated pub in Cambridge for a thoroughly festive evening. With thousands of lights, tinsel and Christmas jumpers on display, every inch of the place was covered and it felt like stepping into a winter wonderland. ✨

There was much festive cheer with chance for a good catch up and a lot of laughs, whilst enjoying the festive pizzas. Delicious.

Marking the first full year of doing good in Cambridge, we remembered some of our favourite tasks and the milestones we've reached. 193 good deeds since January means A LOT of brilliant people giving up their time to support 22 community organisations. 🎉

Thank you to all GoodGymers for being a part of it and making GoodGym Cambridge so special. We look forward to more in 2026!

Merry Christmas 🎄