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.

Four goodgymers went along to the Mutton Brook Tiny Forests to help the local community in their first citizen science event of 2026.

With local residents, they engaged in all sorts of different surveys of the Tiny Forests: soil compaction, thermal comfort, tree measuring. And they collected several bags of rubbish around the site.

The weather played its part: it was windy but gloriously sunny and everyone was happy to be out on this spring day,blowing away the winter cobwebs.

The surveys help collect data from the 200+ forests dotted around the country, which environmental charity Earthwatch collates and analyzes.

If you want to learn more about the science around the Tiny Forests, visit this link

We look forward to the next community mission at the Tiny Forests!

GoodGym members joined forces with local residents for a satisfying morning of churchyard graft at St Mary-at-Finchley, the oldest building in Finchley, with parts dating back to the 12th century.

This was no ordinary tidy-up. The churchyard is packed with local history, and our task was to help protect it. We worked on the western side near the tower, clearing overgrowth, tackling stubborn roots, cutting back ivy and snowberry, and helping free up gravestones that were being slowly swallowed by vegetation.

It was great to see a healthy turnout, with GoodGym Barnet members and community volunteers all mucking in. Bit by bit, the area started to open up again, revealing memorials that had been hidden and making the churchyard feel more cared for, more visible and more respectful.

And this site really does matter. Among the memorials are Grade II listed gravestones, including the tomb of John Cartwright a significant figure in British political reform. Cartwright campaigned for fairer representation and wider voting rights, and his ideas fed into the long road towards universal suffrage. He also supported the principles behind American independence, so this quiet Finchley churchyard has connections to some very big democratic ideas.

So there we were: cutting roots, hauling back branches, tidying the past, and giving history a bit more breathing space.

A lovely community mission in a beautiful and important setting practical, purposeful, and full of local character.