Derwent Green Gym is up and running!

Derbyshire's first Green Gym has started running twice weekly sessions at Little Chester allotments in Derwent.

And just in case you're thinking that an allotment is a strange place for a gym, this one has nothing to do with rowing machines and treadmills!

The Green Gym is in fact a partnership between BTCV, Derwent NDC, Derby City Council and Revive. The idea behind the project is that getting involved in gardening and conservation tasks, out in the fresh air and with an enthusiastic group of people, improves people's physical and mental health, as well as improving the local environment.

Derby's first Green Gym session ran on a beautiful, crisp, frosty day last December. The ten volunteers warmed up and then began to clear part of an overgrown allotment plot, each working at their own speed. They brewed tea on a camp 'storm kettle' and everyone took informal breaks, often stopping to talk about possible ways the Green Gym gardens could be developed or what unusual specimen was found lurking in the tall grass. Everyone who took part said they enjoyed it and would be back for more.

Development plans for the Green Gym include raised beds for use by people who experience difficulties reaching down, a polytunnel to extend the growing season, good pathways to provide access for all and a tree nursery to supply native hedgerow, orchard and woodland species to projects across Derwent and Derby.

The Green Gym provides a focal point for practical conservation tasks which will help people to deliver environmental improvements to the areas where they live. As well as creating a beautiful allotment garden, Green Gym volunteers will be able to join in conservation work at local nature reserves and open spaces across Derby.

Currently the Green Gym runs two sessions a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, starting at 10.00am. The entrance is through the main gates of Little Chester allotments on Old Mansfield Road, by the car park. The number 27 bus runs along this road.

( The Green Gym is open to everyone, whatever their ability. Feel free to drop by to see what's going on or contact Gordon Sephton, Derwent Green Gym Project Officer for an informal chat on 07739 447972 or 01332 348591.

(from Network News, Mar/Apr 2004)