Hounslow Heath Green Gym: Crane Valley Partnership Projects

The Hounslow Heath Green Gym group, originally established by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), has evolved into a community group working hand-in-hand with Hounslow Council’s Lampton Countryside Team at Hounslow Heath.

The Green Gym group have been active for around a decade, with some of the volunteers having been involved for the majority of those years. Led by Marilyn, with support from Lampton Countryside Rangers Andy and Nathan, the sessions focus not only on nature conservation but also on inclusivity, offering opportunities for people with disabilities to engage with the outdoors. Every Tuesday, from 10:45am, the group gathers for 3 to 4 hours of hands-on activities ranging from litter picking, meadow scything, scrub and bramble clearance, heather pen maintenance, and tool care, as well as looking after the Hounslow Heath visitor centre. These regular sessions foster a connection with nature and promote social interaction amongst each other, and many of the volunteers have spoken of the benefits it has had on their mental and physical wellbeing.

This year, the Hounslow Heath Green Gym received funding from the 2024/25 Crane Valley Community Fund to replace the original planters in the visitor centre, which over time had become old and rotten. The new, high-quality wooden raised beds will be used to grow a variety of flowers and vegetables- a garden activity that is very popular and well-enjoyed amongst the volunteers. The vegetables will be available for volunteers to take home- a satisfying reward for all their hard work!

The funding also enabled the group to purchase new tools, PPE, and an upgraded First Aid Kit, ensuring safety and sustainability for many Green Gym sessions to come.

If you’re interested in taking part in the group, you can join them on Tuesdays from 10:45am to 2:00pm. For more information, email hounslowheathgg@outlook.com or check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/204096883682892/.