Wednesday 8th July 2026 - The Duver & Priory Bay, St Helens GG #1087

 Terry's photos

Mark's photo

Lead weight and line

We returned to the Duver and Priory Bay this week, last visited in April.  We started off with a litter pick across the Duver – looking very dry and brown due to the hot weather we have been experiencing.  Fortunately, we did enjoy a bit of a breeze, but it was hot, hot, hot…..

After tea break the team split into two groups.  One group stayed on the beach in front of the café to complete a survey of litter found within a 100m stretch.  The results will be sent to the Marine Conservation Society.  The other group moved on further down the beach and into Priory Bay.  At the end of the session, it was estimated that we had collected 40 – 45 kgs of litter.  The usual suspects were found – plenty of plastic pieces and fishing nets/line, along with random items of clothing.   

A lead weight on a line was discovered.  A quick internet search informs me that the use of lead weights is strictly regulated due to its toxicity.  Weights must be either 0.06g (or less) or more than 28.35g (1oz).  There are non-toxic alternatives available, the most popular of which are tungsten or tin and brass.

Thank you to Terry for the photos.

Wednesday 1st July 2026 - Naturezones, Blackwater GG #1086

 Terry's photos

The combination of cooler temperatures and a shady venue this week ensured that GG service has resumed.  We returned to Naturezones (see link) in Blackwater, which is a small nature reserve and a field study centre.  Control of the old railway line area has now passed to Naturezones and the remit was to clear the brambles and nettles from a pathway that runs parallel to the stream.  Evidence of water voles (see link) has been discovered so to further encourage them the areas opened up will then be mown and sown with grass seed.  Further mowing will hopefully encourage the grass and deter the brambles and nettles which should help to improve their habitat.  A large tree had fallen over the pathway and this was also cleared.

At the end of the pathway (facing the cycle track) a dead hedge was created as a barrier to deter any opportunistic cyclist/walker. 

Naturezones Isle of Wight Official Web Site

Water vole | The Wildlife Trusts

Thank you to Angela at Naturezones for the cakes at breaktime and to Terry for the photos.

Wednesday 24th June 2026 - CANCELLED

Due to the high temperatures forecast, it was considered prudent to cancel Green Gym this week.  We were to have been at a central Island venue where the temperature will be at its highest. 🌞😎

Wednesday 17th June 2026 - Christ Church, Sandown GG #1085

 Terry's photos

We had a visitor!

Christ Church, consecrated in 1847

This week we were at a new venue!  A new site always gets the GG-ers interested and we had a healthy turnout today.  The task was to help the very small team of church volunteers with their work clearing the graveyard.  There was a lot of bramble, dead wood and overgrown graves.  Clearing the graves will help the team to update their grave records as some of the information records the sites of the graves incorrectly.  The cut material was piled up for disposal later.

Please see the following link -

Church building and church yard - Christ Church Sandown

This link has some historical information and further links within it to documents showing the placement of WW1 graves and Commonwealth War Graves.

The area we were working in predominantly had death dates of 1920-21.  There was discussion about the Spanish flu epidemic which occurred 1918-20, so it is feasible that some may have died of the flu, although it did primarily affect young adults - Spanish flu - Wikipedia

We also had a visitor today – Geoff, who was a GG-er and our Treasurer for many years.  Now living on the mainland, he popped by to check in on us and have a catch up.  It was great to see him. 😊

Thank you to Terry for the photos and to the Christ Church volunteers for the refreshments.