You couldn’t have written it. Not just one, but two storms lashed the UK just before our first plog was due to take place. Storm Ciara forced us to postpone our original event, swiftly followed by Storm Dennis the weekend after. Finally, our rescheduled date of 23rd February arrived - still windy and slightly wet, but it was here - and it was happening!

Laden down with plogging sacks, event flags and air-dried wonky apples, we set off in our trusty red polo towards the sprawling urban sanctuary of Hampstead Heath - a popular running spot for our Tribe. 

On arrival, we were met by our event partners, Plogolution. Smiling, enthusiastic and with a plog dog in tow, they were the reassurance we needed on a blustery February morning. As we set up - strategically weighing down items that threatened to blow away - we weren’t entirely sure what to expect. The weather wasn’t exactly glorious - would anyone show up? We needn't have worried. 

Before we could even get our event flags in the air, the first tentative ploggers began to arrive. One or two at first, then another, then another, and another. Before we knew it, we had a 45-strong group of ploggers ready to help clean the running paths of Hampstead Heath. Bolstered by the show of support from our community and the energy in the air, we were ready to get started. 

Gloves on, rubbish sacks in hand, we set off on two separate routes along the Heath. The wind pushed us onwards as we bent down to collect litter left, right and centre. We were stopped by curious onlookers, greeted with slightly bewildered looks and calls of ‘what a great idea!’ as we continued along our route. 

Just under an hour later, we had over 30 bags of rubbish collected between us. It was both rewarding and shocking to see how much rubbish we had managed to collect in such a short space of time  - what a difference it made to the running paths on Hampstead Heath.

Tucking into post-plog snacks of air-dried apple crisps, the overriding feeling was what a positive experience it had been. Our ploggers were delighted to have made a real difference to the community they loved and had a great time taking part. Even the rain managed to hold off until we were safely back in our car. 

We want to say again a massive thank you to everyone who came along. We are currently confirming details of our next plog, sign up below to stay in the know.

We hope to see you at our next plog!



Photo credit: Plogolution