A perfect spring evening, a gentle glow in the trees, and a group of GoodGymers gathered outside the Phoenix Cinema ready to run, help out, and learn a thing or two about one of Barnet’s loveliest green spaces.

Before setting off, we did our usual introductions with a travel-themed twist: everyone shared their favourite country, or one they’d most like to visit. Japan came up twice, clearly a destination having a bit of a moment. Then it was time to head off at an easy jog.

Our first stop was Cherry Tree Wood for a proper warm-up. Circles on the grass, jump-ups, step-downs, high knees and a few efforts to get the heart rate rising before we pushed on towards Highgate Wood. Near the entrance, there was even a chance for a sharper burst uphill, with everyone free to take it at their own level. A proper workout, whether you fancied steady and sociable or a little blast of intensity.

Then into the woods themselves, looking especially beautiful at this time of year, with that fresh light-green glow that ancient woodland seems to do so well.

There we met Cindy the Park Ranger, who had a simple but very satisfying task lined up for us: removing a batch of stubborn stakes that had proved awkward to shift. For a GoodGym crew, this was just the sort of thing. Straightforward, useful, and oddly enjoyable. Less “pulling teeth” and more “extracting victory from the soil.”

With the stakes dealt with, Cindy treated us to a fascinating guided walk through the woods and the work being done there. We heard about plans to protect areas using “live fencing,” including holly laid and trained so it grows horizontally to form natural barriers. We learned about hornbeam, including how fallen growth can keep going in remarkable ways, and about the service tree, whose berries were once used in brewing. A tree with a pub connection is always going to get GoodGym’s attention.

We also got a glimpse into the quieter side of woodland life, with a hidden camera trained on a blue tit sitting faithfully on her eggs. From wildflower meadows to ancient tree craft to tiny birds getting on with family life, Cindy gave us a wonderful reminder that woodlands are never static. They are always changing, always being cared for, and always full of stories.

A huge thank you to Cindy for the warm welcome, the interesting tour, and the chance to help out in Highgate Wood.

After that, we headed back, and many of us rounded off the evening in the best possible way: pizza at the Phoenix.

Thanks to everyone who came along to run, learn, laugh, and do some good.

GoodGym Barnet – Use It or Lose It!

Barnet gathered once more at the Phoenix Cinema, and what a turnout it was – boosted by a bumper crop of first-timers. A big cheer to Keith, Natasha, Billy and Lucie for joining us for the first time. Great to have you with us!

We couldn’t have picked a better meeting point. The Phoenix has been in the local news recently – one of the oldest continuously operating cinemas in the country, but sadly struggling to turn a profit. The trust’s message is clear: use it or lose it. ( just like our fitness ) So, while we meet outside for our runs, why not pop back another night for a classic film, an indie gem, and of course, copious amounts of popcorn?

After a gentle warm-up and a quick bank-holiday-weekend debrief (sunshine featured heavily), we set off through Cherry Tree Woods and on to Highgate Woods, where we met Cindy the Ranger. While waiting, we even managed a bit of gentle yoga in the evening light ( who says GoodGym doesn’t stretch you in every sense!)

Cindy led us to a rather large wooden construction. Picturesque, yes. Useful for biodiversity? Not so much. She explained how deadwood plays a vital role in the woodland ecosystem, supporting fungi, insects, and all sorts of wriggly life. Our task: dismantle the wooden tower and repurpose the material into protective fencing to help new undergrowth regenerate.

Armed with determination (and a limited number of gloves…), we attacked the structure with gusto, soon reducing it to neat piles ready for its next life as woodland fencing. Satisfying work – though possibly more splinter-prone than popcorn-eating!

Shout-outs and Top Tips • Huge welcome again to our new recruits – you smashed your first GoodGym mission. • A little plea: future tasks often involve logs, nettles, or other prickly characters. Treat yourself to a pair of lightweight gardening gloves – they’ll make you look the part and save you some splinters. • With darker evenings on the horizon, a head torch is also a worthy sidekick. You’ll thank yourself when you can see both the path and the nettle patch.

As ever, GoodGym is about more than running – it’s about supporting our local community, green spaces, and charities, many of whom are short of volunteers. By showing up, you remind them that what they do matters. Plus, winter training with GoodGym is secretly brilliant – it’s invigorating, you’ll stay motivated, and honestly… it hardly ever rains (and if it does, you’ll hardly notice!).

So keep coming, keep running, and keep helping. Barnet needs you and so do the trees!

Three Goodgymmers ran from the Phoenix to Highgate Woods, on a lovely, clear post-rain evening. Theo and George, Barnet regulars, were joined by Michael, who travelled from Tower Hamlets to join us. Michael joined Goodgym during our January challenge this year and he now tries to do two group sessions per week. Great to have him with us! And well done to Theo for getting out after an intense sprinting session the day before.

Our run took us through Cherry Tree Woods, and out the back gate onto Fordington, where the actual cherry trees are dropping ripe (and unripe - probably the birds/squirrels) cherries all over the pavements there. We then trotted through backstreets to the Capital Ring, and up the hill into Highgate Wood to meet Ranger Cindy at the cafe.

It's not quite the end of nesting season, so Cindy didn't want to disturb any late fledglings with an ivy bash. Instead, she took us to a rough-and-ready bivouac put together by children and parents visiting the woods. Despite a list of rules to follow from Cindy - don't dig up wood that's become part of the ecosystem, don't take live branches, and dismantle it all when you're done - the bivouac was still standing.

So we got to work, de-camping the logs and carrying them across the clearing to create a natural boundary. A good bit of weightlifting and jogging back and forth across the clearing, and we were done in no time at all. After a quick chat about the rescue critters Cindy had been dealing with this spring - hedgehogs and a jay - we trotted off, with a promise to be back to take care of the ivy once the nests were clear.

GoodGym Barnet gathered at the iconic Phoenix Cinema for an evening of running and community service at Highgate Woods.

We began with a warm-up under the golden hues of a beautiful summer evening, right outside the cinema. The run took us through the picturesque Cherry Tree Woods and up to the enchanting Highgate Woods, a remnant of the ancient woodlands that once covered this area, where traces of Roman activity have been discovered.

Upon arrival, we met Cindy, the enthusiastic Highgate Woods Ranger, at the Pavilion Café in the heart of the woods. Our task was to dismantle den structures and repurpose the wood to fence off areas for regrowth. Cindy, with her deep knowledge of the local wildlife, enriched our understanding of the woodland ecosystem. She shared exciting news about a nesting hobby, a small bird of prey, that had relocated to Highgate Woods from Queenwood. To protect the chicks, the area beneath their nesting tree was cordoned off.

Cindy also spoke about her recent experience with a wildlife hospital in Rickmansworth, which cared for a pair of orphaned hedgehogs. This highlighted the growing pressures on wildlife due to human encroachment.

Working beneath the canopy of ancient trees, we dismantled the wooden dens and fenced off an area being used as a shortcut by passersby. The serene surroundings, filled with bird calls and fresh, clean air, made the task a joy. To our delight, we completed the job swiftly and took a moment to enjoy some yoga under the trees.

As the evening drew to a close, we headed home, feeling accomplished and a bit more knowledgeable about our local woodland. It was a perfect way to spend a beautiful summer evening, blending fitness, nature, and community service. Join us next time at GoodGym Barnet to experience these magical moments and make a positive impact on our environment.

**A Magical Evening with GoodGym: Running and Birding watching in HighGate Woods.

Last night, our GoodGym crew gathered at the iconic Phoenix Cinema, ready for an adventure that combined fitness, community, and nature. As the warm spring sun set, we embarked on a scenic run through Cherry Tree Woods, enjoying the crisp, clean air and the beautiful green light filtering through the trees.

Our destination: Highgate Woods, where we were greeted by Cindy, the local ranger. The evening's mission was twofold: pick up litter and locate woodpecker nests. Cindy's passion for the woods was contagious as she demonstrated how to identify a woodpecker nest, guiding us to one where we could hear the chicks calling to their parents. It was a magical moment, reminding us of the wonders of nature that surround us.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, we spread out to explore the forest. As we picked up litter, we kept our ears tuned for the telltale sounds of woodpecker chicks. By the end of the evening, we had discovered three nests and cleared away bits of litter, feeling a deep sense of connection with the woods.

Mapping the nests for Cindy, we were treated to a special view from a nearby blue tit nest camera, offering a glimpse into the lives of these beautiful birds. On our way back, we couldn't resist using the outdoor fitness equipment to add an extra boost to our run.

Returning to the Phoenix Cinema, we wrapped up the evening with refreshments and a chat, sharing our experiences and enjoying the camaraderie that defines GoodGym. It was a perfect blend of fitness, environmental stewardship, and community spirit—a truly unforgettable evening in the heart of nature.

Six GoodGym members came together to help Highgate Woods. Four gathered at Phoenix cinema to run the 2 km to meet with Cindy, the park ranger and our sixth member Karen ( and thanks for the pun!) It was a beautiful mild evening as we ran through Cherry Tree Wood and then Highgate Woods as the sun started to set. Cindy was really pleased with our last efforts, as she showed how the path that we had made, remained intact, and had diverted people away from the growing trees and shrubs. With this in mind, we started to create other forest fences for the same affect. Cindy also told us about a recent pair of nesting hobbies, that have had chicks, which is the first time in six years! She was very Hobby! A hobby is a fairly small, very swift falcon with long, narrow wings. They specialise in being superb aerialists that can catch dragonflies, and even Swifts on the wing. We finished up with some forest bathing yoga before running out of the woods. Unfortunately we weren’t quick enough to beat the locking of the gates at 8 pm. Luckily, we were limbered up enough to get over the fence and head back to the Phoenix for a warm down. Well done for Ruslan for doing a couple of sprints on the way back. Really nice to meet Yesika for the first time. Big shout out for our most reliable, runners and sisters Beattie & Rachel Thanks for coming running and doing some good!