Today we ventured back to Boundary Brook Nature Reserve. Lovely Helen always comes up with unique jobs for us to do and today was no exception. Earlier in the week an Early Years sessions had resulted in a popped beanbag covering a large area in THOUSANDS of teeny tiny polystyrene balls. At first glance the ground looked like it was covered in blossom or snow. Undettered we set to work, trying to preserve as much of the gravel as possible. I must admit that it was slightly meditative but i think ill be seeing those little pellets in my dreams!

Another species that has taken hold was big clumps of sedge. Of left this plant can be very invasive so Vicky and Muireann dug out loads of it, filling 4 wheelbarrows - STRONG ❤❤

Particular highlights of the task were mostly dodging the rain, a visit from Meg (and Dylan) and being tolerated by Mr Bojingles (the cat).

My goodness that was HOT!!!!

visiting Aston's Eyot is always a joy, mainly because it always involves scything - relaxing but also quite sweaty work.

This evening's task was clearing an amazing amount of nettles and thistles to start creating more welcoming spaces for pollinators.

Nettles were duly scythed and we discovered that uphill scything in a heat-wave is really rather hard work! Our clearing were then covered with big tarpaulins to help suppress regrowth.

With frequent stops for water and bug spray we made a huge difference. Its always mega satisfying to see quick results!

Well done team, ice creams all round I reckon.

After meeting new member Nicola and a mini litter pick around Marston we descended upon the Up in Arms to say farewell and bon voyage to Anwen.

This is the speech that I MEANT to give before I became a blubbering mess......

After 7 years and an amazing 665 good deeds the Queen of Goodgym Oxford is departing for a new European adventure.

The impact that Anwen has had on Oxford cannot be underestimated. She has gathered us to clean food banks, create green spaces, look after community gardens, remove brambles, weed walls, clear litter and even move an organ over a railway bridge.

As I was making my way to the task this evening I passed all the beautiful daffodils that we've planted - a cheerful reminder that Goodgym was here!

We have had many running adventures too - parkruns, races, our View Cones run in memory of our lovely Tim, and marathons in fun places. If Anwen sends you a link to a races and says "fancy it?" you should ALWAYS say yes!!

Anwen you kept us going through Covid (with Trev's help) providing essential food packages and prescriptions for the community and much needed social contact for us too. You have literally supported us through births, deaths and marriages and everything in between.

A thank you should also be said on behalf of the stray and feral cats of Oxfordshire - another example of your capacity to nurture and care.

Oxford's loss is very definitely France's gain and we will miss you. Please raise your glasses to Anwen!!

louise and trev helped put up signs and carry bags to set up for the various talks about M.E. we directed people so as not to use up too much of their energy and offered help with refreshments

it was a well attended event both i n person and online

OMEGA are very greatful for Goodgyms support

3 Goodgymers litter picked the night away at Oxfords 57th Fireworks display at South Park.

At first we arrived, persuaded the gate keepers that we were indeed volunteers and to let us in, and then picked up our pickers, hoops, bags and high Vis. We began our mission by Round Table-ing the parameters, focusing around the food vans and the fair ground before it got too busy. We also answered lots of questions from the public, including "Where are the toilets?" and "Where will the fireworks be?" 🤷🏻‍♀️ We enjoyed the new addition quiet fireworks display from the VIP area, after collecting a few cans and cups from the fancy tent and straw bales section and bumping into 'Off Duty' Mark.

Time for the main event, the big fireworks display beside a luminous waning supermoon.

When the masses left the park, our real work started. A litter picker's treasure trove of plastic cups, chip boxes and empty wine bottles left on the ground. We scooped up over 15 bags of rubbish between us on the night. We think we made a good dent in rubbish removal but lots of other volunteers will be working late into the night and the next day helping restore the park back to sparkling. Thanks to them all!