Any Time, Any Place, Any Pace: December Litter Picks

December wrapped up our monthly “any time, anywhere” litter pick, and what a lovely way it was to end 2025 quietly, locally, and with lots of small acts adding up to something meaningful.

Huge thanks to everyone who took part this month, and to those who’ve been dipping in and out right across the year. Whether you picked for five minutes on a dog walk, filled one bag, or tackled a bigger hotspot, it all counts and it all matters.

We had some brilliant moments: • A festive litter pick along the Snoopy Trail, where a couple of enthusiastic children joined in by spotting bits we’d missed (future GoodGymmers in the making!). • A determined clean-up along the River Quaggy that started as a “quick pick” and turned into multiple bags of bottles, cans and polystyrene. • Solo picks, shared picks, daylight picks, and “I’ll just do this bit while I’m out” picks.

That’s really the joy of this mission. No pressure. No fixed time. No big logistics. Just being active, present, and community-minded wherever you happen to be.

Why litter picking works • It’s easy to fit into everyday life • It’s quietly satisfying (that bag fills up faster than you expect!) • It sparks conversations and curiosity • It makes you notice – and care about – your local patch a little more • And it’s one of the simplest ways to turn a walk, run, or dog outing into a good deed

As we roll into 2026, let’s keep this going – and see if we can pull a few more people along with us. Bring a friend. Borrow a picker. Snap a photo. Write a few lines. That’s all it takes.

If you’d like to get involved, need a litter picker, or fancy being added to the WhatsApp group for gentle nudges and shared motivation, just let me know. This is GoodGym at its most accessible – and most human.

Thanks again to everyone who’s been part of this through 2025. Let’s get properly stuck into 2026

A hardy group of Goodgymmers, new and regular, gathered at the Phoenix Cinema for their regular session, only to find... the cinema was closed! Thankfully, the lovely manager was in, and more than happy for us to gather our resolve in the foyer as we prepared to go out into the dark and damp.

Tonight's mission was leafleting for the North London Hospice. Each year they offer a great service collecting Christmas trees and donations to keep themselves going. We had 500 leaflets and many pairs of hands to make light work of delivering them to nearby houses, especially the ones with all their Chrimbo decorations sparkling.

Warming up outside, we welcomed Fanny and Kingsley for the first time, as well as Narina for her second consecutive week (thanks also for bringing Kingsley!). Amazing to see Jacqui also, who can't usually make Tuesday group runs. And, of course, stalwarts Rachel, Subham and Paul making up the numbers.

Then off we went, with Rachel and Paul leading a walking group of 5, and myself, Subham and Jacqui jogging to the far end of the nearby roads, then working our way back to meet them in the middle. Then, after a quick redistribution of the remaining flyers, we set a challenge to see whether the runners could finish and get back to the Phoenix before the walkers. The walkers won, mainly because the runners stopped to take a photo.

Lucky for us, the Phoenix manager was still working and more than happy to open the bar for us! After a round of bevvies (or maybe two for some), we patted ourselves on the back for another job well done.

Looking forward to the new year, on Wednesday 7 January we'll be helping North London Hospice reap the rewards of our leafleting, collecting Christmas trees - a great follow up to start 2026 with!

12 GoodGymers dodged the rain and helped a Central London winter shelter!

Our friendly group visit the American International Church every winter to help out at their wonderfully important winter shelter.

Coordinated by C4WS, homeless people can get access to at least a month of shelter and support. Warm, safe, and supportive spaces.

And last night was our first trip back this season.

This brilliant group — of Caitlin, Chandrima (on their first good deed — welcome!!), Danny, Emily, Helen, Imogen, Jacqui, John, Loz, Sarah, and Steve — made a healthy difference in the swiftest time.

Beds upon beds were dressed and made, a dining room was brought to life, and gifted toiletries were set out ready for using.

Thank you, everyone! Here's to next time!

A few GoodGymers independently got out for their own local litter picks this month — a brilliant ripple effect. If you fancy doing the same in December, even a short session helps keep England looking its best. Actions speak louder than words, and together we make a visible difference.

Sally and I did the November litterpick. Lots of discarded Halloween paraphernalia, including a plastic dagger smeared with fake blood 🗡️😮