Green Gym conservation group launches in MK

TCV, the community volunteering charity, launched the Green Gym in Milton Keynes in partnership with intu Milton Keynes and Milton Keynes Council.

For 10 years TVC have worked with intu to restore and enhance green spaces up and down the country through the Green Gym initiative.

Green Gyms offer volunteers the opportunity to take part in practical nature conservation sessions whilst improving their health and wellbeing. Volunteers can participate in a wide range of tasks which could include managing woodland, food growing, creating wildflower gardens and wildlife ponds, planting trees, making pathways and so much more.

Each Session will run for 3 hours, allowing you to do as much or as little as you like, there is no obligation.  At the beginning of each session and at the end everyone does a few minutes of gentle exercise to warm up and cool down, in preparation for a range of activities to suit all abilities. And there’s a sociable tea break in the middle of every session.

Ben Hammond, TCV Operational Leader said: “We are hugely excited to have launched the intu Milton Keynes Green Gym yesterday. We will be enhancing four local green spaces, whilst improving our wellbeing. Now that the sun is shining we want everyone to join in and feel good. The great thing about the Green Gym is that participants not only benefit from better mental health and wellbeing, but the community ends up with a better outdoor space for everyone to enjoy. This scheme will really help to create a healthier and happier community for everyone and we can’t wait to get started!”

Kirsty McGiff, intu Milton Keynes Marketing Manager said: “intu have worked with The Conservation Volunteers for over 10 years, supporting local people to improve community green spaces and ensure they become independently-run, volunteer-led initiatives. We are really pleased to bring this new Green Gym to Milton Keynes and I look forward to helping with some of the forthcoming activities. Delivering this kind of sustainable project means that as each Green Gym becomes independent, we can work with TCV to move our support to new locations, helping even more people.”