Why I Love the Green Gym

Many thanks to Cameren Birch-Ghose for contributing this article.

What’s the Green Gym?

Green Gyms are an opportunity to keep fit by taking part in outdoor conservation and gardening activities in your local community. I joined the Buckingham Canal Society’s Green Gym back in July of last year, and I really enjoy the chance to get out in the fresh air while doing something meaningful that supports nature. I always look forward to the Green Gym sessions because they are a fun and invigorating way to stay active.

Why are Green Gyms important?

In 2013, the Buckingham Canal Society restored a section of the original Cosgrove Canal at Bourton Meadow. This canal is a vibrant wildlife habitat, home to a multitude of plant, animal and insect species. At the Green Gym, we carry out vital conservation tasks to ensure Bourton Meadow remains a healthy ecosystem as well as a safe, clean and beautiful space for people to enjoy nature. Now more than ever, it’s vital to protect our blue and green spaces.

What do I do at BCS’s Green Gym?

BCS’s Green Gym is a relaxed and friendly environment where you can do as little or as much as you like. The sessions at Bourton Meadow involve doing a variety of jobs such as donning waders and getting into the canal to chop back reeds, or staying on dry land and cutting back brambles and other weeds. These activities require light to moderate effort and involve tasks like pushing wheelbarrows, lifting and carrying, using equipment like loppers/shears, rakes and mattocks. I find these activities help improve mobility, flexibility and support general fitness levels.

Protecting Nature and Wildlife

Like many young people, I’m concerned about the climate crisis and the damaging impact it’s having on wildlife and the natural world. Joining the Green Gym has helped me feel less hopeless as I’ve been able to do something practical that benefits nature. It’s so rewarding to see how our efforts have helped wildlife flourish!

With help from other members, I’ve been learning how to identify different plant, bird and insect species. I’ve enjoyed spotting robins, kites, damselflies, and there were also some grass snake eggs found on site! The canal has helped increase biodiversity in the area by providing a habitat that supports a wide variety of species.

Health Benefits of the Green Gym

Green Gyms can help you improve your physical health by staying active and mobile, but they also have many benefits for your mental health. I’ve found that I really enjoy the social aspect of the Green Gym as it’s a great way to meet new people. Additionally, research has shown that being connected to nature can help reduce depression and anxiety, and promote feelings of joy, calmness and creativity [Source: Mental Health Foundation].

How do I join a Green Gym?

Green Gyms are a fantastic opportunity to keep fit, enjoy the outdoors and give back to your local community. And unlike regular gyms, there are no expensive joining fees! These volunteering initiatives are free and training and equipment is provided.

BCS runs Green Gym sessions at Bourton Meadow in Buckingham, every second Sunday of the month and every alternate Thursday. Follow these link for more information about BCS work parties or volunteering in general. For more detailed information or to get involved, contact Athina or email volunteer@buckinghamcanal.org.uk.

You can find more information about Green Gyms in general by visiting the TCV website.