We arrived in convoy for our weekend session at Fox Den Community Allotment. Having taken the scenic route along the river, Caroline and I fell in line behind Becky, who had been following Daiana and Andrew from the city centre. They hadn't met before, so had no idea they were heading to the same place (although the red t-shirt was a little giveaway)! We had a chuckle when we realised what had happened 🚲 🚲 🚲

Ilse was like a beacon in her GG t-shirt waiting for us, and we welcomed Princy back for her second GG task 💪

After some introductions, Lorna was briefing us on our jobs for the session. We were working in the forest garden area and Andrew, very impressively, explained to the rest of the group that the methods used in the forest garden enable mycelium to thrive, allowing plants to communicate and supporting hydration. Eventually, after 20ish years (or 10000s of GG sessions) the garden becomes self-sustaining. 🌿

Although the garden looked peaceful, it was a hive of activity as everyone got stuck in shifting bags and bags of clay and compost to clear a bed for planting. It was a efficient operation, and a proper strength workout with some VERY heavy wheelbarrows to transport. We played many rounds of the game 'compost or clay'? I'm not sure it will catch on.

As well as this, Daiana and Andrew did a great job cutting back the hedgerows, Ilse put the bricks to good use creating some much needed borders for some of the flowering beds, and Princy and Becky made light work of cleaning and folding the huge tarp that had been used as a base to store the clay. A busy evening, and what a transformation 🙌

We were delighted to be celebrating Ilse's 10th Good Deed, which as well as being a great achievement, meant we all got some cake! 🎂 Congratulations on all the good you've made happen in Cambridge so far, we're glad you're on the team 💛

We wrapped up for the evening, feeling satisfied with another active session. Daiana harvested a couple of tomatoes and took them home in her GG branded water bottle (ingenious) and I was also gifted a cucumber, so a really top notch session for us! And yes, the cucumber did get transported home in my bike's bottle holder. 🥒#normalforcambridge

An evening of firsts for GoodGym Cambridge.

Firstly, a new task, joining Coton Loves Pollinators at their pollinator patch allotment site.

We welcomed Izzy and John to their first GoodGym session 👋 (Spoiler alert: It was a great one!)

In another first for us, we met to cycle to the task. Surprising considering we live in the city of cycling! We enjoyed a beautiful route (including the new cycle street) out West of Cambridge through the countryside.

As we got into Coton, a fantastic personalised sign greeted us and led the way to the site. We met the brilliant Bridget who showed us down to the allotment to meet the rest of the group, who had already been busy getting the polytunnel frame up!

John and Izzy used their height advantage to help with the polytunnel cover. In just 20 minutes the polythene was on and held taught by Izzy's very satisfying wire work. Eventually, the tunnel will be covered in transparent photovoltaic panels, generating electricity from UV, whilst allowing visible light though to grow plants. Very clever ☀️

The rest of the group got started on planting in a new patch, extending the growing space. As we were breaking new ground, gadget expert Anna, let us use an earth auger to drill the holes for the plants. Naturally, we all wanted a go...the ease, the power! Sandra and Alice led the drilling and Ilse took the lead with planting. Going in were beans and sunflowers, a companion planting dream, with the sunflowers providing a growth surface for the bean vines and the beans fixing nitrogen in the soil for nutrition. Win,win. 🌻🫛

With yet another fun tool, Anna gave us a plant taping machine (definitely not a label maker) to attach the stems to the support pole for the early growth stages. Once we'd got the hang of it, it was another very satisfying job.

With 40 plants in the ground and the main polytunnel up, we paused to admire the beauty of the pollinator patch, and just when we thought the evening couldn't get any better, Bridget arrived with scones and tea! All homemade and warm from the oven, what a treat. We couldn't ask for better way to enjoy the end of a beautiful evening 💛

We were back at SIN Cru this week, making the most of the continuing sunny weather! ☀️

Scott, Becky, Catherine and I met at Parkside Pool for a 3.5km group run to the task, taking it easy in the heat and stopping for plenty of water breaks 💧

Waiting for us and admiring our arrival (I believe Baywatch was referenced!) were Ilse and Sandra, who had joined by bike. After some mandatory dog-petting, we got stuck in: Becky, Sandra cleared an impressive amount of weeds, Ilse and I tried our best to paint a very uneven surface with very hard rollers, Catherine FINALLY cleared the wood chippings bag, and Scott once again showed off his impressive sawing skills 🪚

After some final pets, we set off as a team and strolled a fair way back together, sharing Percy Pigs and discussing Paul Chuckle. Somewhat reluctantly, the 4 runners eventually set off again, distracting ourselves with restaurant chat and plant-based dining 🍽

Great work again, team! 🙌