Tonight, six dedicated GoodGymers came together for a successful session of Balsam Bashing in Happy Valley.

Armed with gloves, determination, and a shared love for nature, the group spent over an hour clearing the invasive Himalayan Balsam from the area.

This fast-growing plant, known for outcompeting native species, was carefully removed by hand to help restore balance to the local ecosystem. We worked efficiently and with great spirit, managing to clear a significant section of the valley.

It was great to welcome Jonny for his first GoodGym task and welcome Jamie who's recently relocated from GoodGym Cardiff.

Tonight we returned to St Matthews Church for the first time since 2019!

Hazel, Ben and Laura got to work painting the back room in the church a beautiful shade of light blue.

The high ceilings and arches were an added challenge, but Hazel took the ladders whilst Ben navigated the extendable pole with roller and we transformed the room in no time.

Welcome to Hazel for her first GoodGym Stockport task!

This evening we were removing Himalayan Balsam from an area of Hope Valley Nature Reserve 🌳🌱

Led and instructed by Lynn and Bill (also sporting red tops), we set about an area already started by the local Scouts and cubs. While dodging nettles, low branches, and boggy areas, we spent 105 minutes pulling up and stamping out the invasive species.

We'll be back again in 4 weeks. Very therapeutic activity despite the nettles stings.