On a chilly damp morning 7 GoodGymers turned up to cheer on, direct and keep safe some enthusiastic young runners. The core team were very grateful for our support as it made their job much easier in filling all the positions.

A flock of Goodgymers in and around Colchester waited with bated breath and baited bird tables to see...... not very much actually. Pigeons were plentiful, so were magpies, gulls and starlings, but very few landed. Our favourite visitors, such as robins, bluetits and longtailed tits were taking shelter elsewhere, and who can blame them in this stormy weather. A disappointing watch, but vital data for the RSPB, and a reminder not to take our wilder friends for granted. Upload all your sightings (and none!) to the RSPB website. Support your local population of wild birds by planting native wildflowers, fruit bushes or trees, putting out a water bowl, and maybe offering a nest box or two if you have space.