430+ new trees! 🌳🌳

Nearly two months on from the planting of 3 new Tiny Forests in Barnet, GoodGym trio Jack, Paul and George were back for part 2 on another lovely, sunny spring day.

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Despite a rocky start (someone stole the Earthwatch shovels before we got to them!), we powered through and got everything planted in the right zones across the 3 newest Tiny Forests.

There were 430+ trees to get in the ground, including sessile oak, english oak, rowan, gray willow, silver birch, broom, downy birch, buckthorn and hornbream.

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The Tiny Forests will serve as a living laboratory for local citizen scientists, to collect data and investigate techniques to promote faster tree growth. Each plot uses a slightly different planting system to improve understanding of soil condition, carbon sequestrations and drainage.

In one of the Tiny Forests we planted trees using 1 cup of biochar (a modified charcoal that improves soil quality) underneath the tree roots to help Earthwatch discover its impact on growth and how it affects different tree species.

We look forward to seeing the trees grow tall!

Just a heads up - the soil is pretty parched so we may need to start watering soon, even for the ones that went in deeper. Watch this space!

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To see all upcoming GoodGym sessions in Barnet please click here.

To find out more information about Earthwatch's Tiny Forest project please click here.

Last night’s GoodGym group run was a love letter to one of Finchley’s finest: the Phoenix Cinema. This unique, purpose-built 1930s cinema has been showing films continuously for nearly a century and remains a treasured cornerstone of the local community. Supporting it isn’t just a good deed—it’s a privilege.

We gathered outside the cinema in the early evening sun, collected our film programs for delivery, and had a cheerful catch-up before jogging off to Cherry Tree Wood for a warm-up. A few dynamic leg and arm movements (and a respectable group plank!) got our bodies moving and ready for action.

We then split into pairs and hit the streets, posting Phoenix programs through letterboxes along the route. It was a real pleasure to welcome Sarah, who joined us for her first-ever GoodGym activity in support of the Phoenix. She did brilliantly, especially as she delivered a leaflet to one of Finchley’s most famous popstars. We’re sworn to secrecy—but if you want the inside scoop, join us on the next Phoenix delivery run!

With our rounds complete, we took the scenic route to Highgate Woods for a forest fitness finish. We enjoyed a shaded loop through the trees, ending at a bench for some leg and upper-body strengthening. Think single-leg squats, press-ups, and bench dips—two tough circuits in total.

The evening ended back at the Phoenix with a well-deserved tea and hot chocolate break, made even better by Rachel’s delicious homemade vegan cake—healthy, nutritious, and gratefully devoured.

Thanks to everyone who came along and gave their energy to a cause worth running for. Same time next week.

A few GoodGym people came online to do yoga.

Yoga talk

One of the reasons yoga feels so different from other forms of exercise is the way it blends static postures with deep relaxation — often in a rhythmic flow between effort and ease.

Holding a posture engages the muscles, fascia, and nervous system, stimulating mild stress that builds strength and stability. But unlike many workouts, yoga follows this with a deliberate release — a moment to soften, breathe, and recalibrate.

This alternation between gentle stress and conscious relaxation helps train the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of us that governs rest, recovery, and digestion. Research shows that practices like yoga can reduce levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), slow the heart rate, and activate brain regions linked to calm and emotional regulation (Harvard Health, 2021; National Institutes of Health).

Over time, this practice creates a kind of inner intelligence: the body learns how to let go, not just in stillness, but in life. The breath leads the way, the body follows, and the mind is invited to settle.

That’s what makes yoga unique — it’s not just a workout, it’s a training in how to return to balance.

I made it to the Finchley Memorial Hospital for the second time this week.

The first time was to learn how Goodgymmers can help water the garden over the coming months, when volunteers are away. I found out where the tap was and what to do if the water tank was empty and the outdoor tap not even dripping. So I met security who let volunteers in through a fire exit to a cleaning cupboard with a tap, where we can fill watering cans.

All prepped, I was ready this session to then train up Subham, who jogged along to help - but there was no need! The outdoor tap was running fine, so we hooked up the hose and ran around under Lisa's supervision, making sure everything was watered and happy. The friendly robin bounced around as usual, and we spotted many pollinators.

All in, it was a good test to make sure the volunteers have cover over the coming months. They're continuing with their normal Friday morning sessions, and will need some help putting woodchip on the beds soon, to help retain moisture and heat. Keep an eye out for more listings!

With the temperature dropping suddenly (even though it was the hottest start to May ever recorded) and a few Goodgymmers taken ill, just three of us managed the group run to Shepherds Hill Gardens. Anthony and I both rocked up a little early to the Phoenix, while Sonya gamely offered to meet us at the gardens, so we set off promptly at a gentle pace. We arrived early and did a decent stretch, before heading over to meet Pat, one of the amazing custodians of the green space.

We gathered tools, sacks and snacks - yes, one of the lovely perks of visiting, but not the reason we go! - and set to the laborious maintenance tasks that are a challenge for the older volunteers at the space. We swept the path and steps at the public-facing end of the woodland patch while Pat litter-picked and pruned hedges, then ferried the waste down to the compost pile in the wood. That alone was enough work for the four of us, so we decamped to a bench for some hot hibiscus berry tea and apple juice, to natter about the various volunteers and the jobs they have ahead of them.

Like many green spaces around Barnet, they're looking ahead to the extra work spring and summer brings and trying to build capacity for pruning and maintaining new growth. Keep an eye out for a dedicated Community Mission to help them at their regular sessions in May and June.

The play street on Windermere avenue was the first of four this summer and Goodgym helped to make this local event a success. Nearly a hundred local residents converged on the street, closed to local traffic for two hours, to play games and socialise. There were street chalks, bubbles, giant Jenga, various home-baked cakes, as well as a book swap and an amazing spot where people could plant a pot with pollinator-friendly herbs and take it home with them. Goodgymers groomed with the set-up and staffed the street barriers, as well as helping with the clear up at the end. We look forward to the next ones!