Under the glow of the setting sun, the GoodGym Merton team headed to Ridgway Community Garden to tackle a massive delivery of mulch. Two months ago we were tasked with the same, but this was a very different challenge!

With darkness descending fast, the team switched on their headtorches and got straight to business. We cleared away stubborn weeds, laid down a protective layer of cardboard, and spread as much woodchip as possible.

Along the way, we even paused for a quick photo and a chat with local MP Paul Kohler, before diving back into the task - adding tree replanting and conker gathering to our to-do list!

A huge, warm welcome to Joe and Ben for joining their very first session, and to Harry on completing his first-ever group run and task with us! What an absolute powerhouse of a team. In just one hour, we achieved the equivalent of two full-time gardeners working an entire day. Bet they couldn't do it in the dark 😉!

For our very first visit to Tooting & Mitcham Community Club, the team arrived armed with scrapers - only to immediately find ourselves in a bit of a sticky situation!

The wall we were tasked with was covered from top to bottom in stubborn adhesive pads. We certainly weren't going to let things get 'board', but it turned out to be a real test of endurance as we worked our magic furiously, making sure no pad was left behind.

It was a full-body workout, flexing muscles we didn't even know existed, just to force those relentless little squares to come off.

Massive well done to the team – it was a huge challenge, but we well and truly smashed it!

Another successful session at the Methodist Church garden! On Sunday there is going to be a Sunflower BBQ gathering, so we were put to task in making sure everywhere was looking tip top. There was watering, litter picking, weeding the beds and finishing off painting the gate (which we started last time). There was even some harvesting - potatoes were dug up and sunflower seeds retrieved. We hope lots of fun is had on Sunday!

It was great to see so many of the team supporting on our stand collecting trainers for Jog-On and helping our friends at Full Cycle Community Bike Project and Merton Cycling Campaign with an action-packed Big Sports Day!

Our mission:

• Spreading the word - chatting with local residents about all things GoodGym, cycling, and active community projects.

• Trainer recycling - collecting pre-loved shoes for JogOn and directing people to do the same with old footwear to keep it out of landfill and get them re-used or recycled.

It was a busy day with various volunteers stopping by to help and take part. With a steady stream of participants at 'trainer-pong' and some surprising competitors, it was a fantastic showcase of collaboration and a chance to show ways to combine fitness with doing good.

Some of the team helped with other jobs, supporting with bike safety checks and promoting plans for creating a cycling hub in Merton, hoping for backing from local councillors and Merton Council for an accessible, community-driven bike hub to promote active travel, reduce carbon emissions, and expand low-cost transport options across the borough.

Well done everyone and a big shoutout to those who stayed on or joined us in the afternoon when we needed a boost later in the day!

A large group of us headed to the Martin Way Methodist Church community garden tonight, luckily there is always enough jobs to go around! We weeded, air-rated clay, dead headed, leaf blowed and watered. A group of us also started painting a fence! It was a very productive hour and we are excited to continue the work next month! A big GoodGym welcome to Jerrold who attended his first session this evening, we hope to see you again soon.