The success of the unique Green Gym scheme means the celebration of its second year of preserving and improving our surroundings. During this time the team have planted saplings, bulbs and coppice trees, created a deadwood hedge, constructed an otter holt and cleared large areas of invasive plants that can be detrimental to the environment. Through these and many other projects there has been a gradual but noticeable improvement to the Colne River Park.

Watford Green Gym is run by environmental charity TCV in partnership with Watford Borough Council and Capital Shopping Centre. It offers volunteers the opportunity to get fit and healthy in an outdoor environment, to work at their own pace in a friendly, sociable atmosphere whilst contributing to vital conservation work. Anyone and everyone can get involved in the activities – there is no better educational tool than doing; planting trees and bulbs, step construction, path improvements and hay making are just some of the ways we can teach our children about preserving the environment in a fun, interesting and above all, healthy way. 

Over twenty people recently attended a small ceremony to celebrate the second year milestone. Guests included Elected Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill, representatives from Capital Shopping Centres, Green Gym officer Rachel Hoyes and Watford Borough Council Colne River Park project officer Ian Mather, who said, “Staying healthy does not mean having to buy expensive gym membership or spending hours on a treadmill. At Watford Green Gym, our volunteers are not only keeping fit for free, they are also giving something back to the community, meeting new people and carrying out vital conservation work. We look forward to building on the success of the last two years.”

Which is precisely what Green Gym is all about – it’s not just the health benefits, but the teamwork involved, making friends or spending quality family time together, with a purpose that will benefit generations to come.

Children under 16 are welcome if accompanied by an adult. BTCV provide all tools and refreshments, and it's recommended that your wear suitable outdoor clothes and sturdy shoes or boots (designer trainers totally unnecessary!) 

All volunteer days are held on Tuesday and Thursday, meeting at 9.45am in the car park on the corner of Radlett Road and Colonial Way (opposite Sanyo building). To book a place on a Green Gym or for more information you can call Green Gym officer Rachel Hoyes on tel: 01923 278341 or send an email for more information.

Save yourself that monthly gym membership fee (that you hardly ever use anyway) and get lean the green way!