Community Mission Report – Darlands Nature Reserve

A small but enthusiastic group came together today at Darlands Nature Reserve, with two GoodGym Barnet runners joined by three volunteers from the local conservation group. It was also great to meet Abi, newly signed up to GoodGym Barnet, on his first mission with me.

Led by Sam, the volunteer organiser, we spent the morning doing practical conservation work, mainly bramble thinning to give mature oak trees more space beneath their branches. This kind of work helps improve woodland health and resilience, and can also reduce dense undergrowth that poses a risk during very dry weather.

The conditions were ideal — mild, sunny and calm — and while we certainly got some work done, there was plenty of conversation too, which is very much part of what makes community missions so enjoyable. A real highlight was spotting a bird of prey, which we believe was a kestrel, circling above the reserve.

Darlands is a fascinating site with a rich history. It was once part of the landscaped parkland of the Copped Hall estate, with its lake and surrounding woodland shaped in the late 18th century. After years of changing use, it became a designated nature reserve in the early 1980s and is now protected and managed by the Darlands Conservation Trust, a local charity holding a long-term lease and supported almost entirely by volunteers. Despite being so close to London, it feels wonderfully peaceful and wild.

I had to leave before the end of the session, but the remaining volunteers continued with litter picking and other tasks. The amount of care and commitment shown by the Trust and its volunteers really stood out.

This is a unique and special green space that genuinely benefits from extra hands, and it’s a brilliant example of how local volunteering makes a lasting difference. We’ll definitely be back, and next time it’s listed, it would be great to see even more GoodGym Barnet runners coming along to support this important work.

We’re a friendly local group who walk, jog or cycle together while helping the community and local environment. All abilities are welcome — you always go at your own pace.

👉 See what we’ve got coming up: https://www.goodgym.org/areas/barnet/happenings

👉 And what we’ve already done (reports & photos): https://www.goodgym.org/areas/barnet/reports

Three Goodgymers joined a group of local community activists helping to keep the waterways of Barnet free of litter. The group included a number of asylum seekers who are being housed locally and have been eager to get involved in the local community by engaging in volunteering with local organisations.

The task took us along the Mutton brook, near the North Circular road, and onto the Dollis Brook. These two waterways are tributaries of the river Brent, which flows south into the Thames, so keeping them clean is of benefit to many Londoners.

We collected multiple bags of rubbish, mostly the usual mix of discarded alcohol containers, packets of cigarettes and food packaging.

It was muddy work, but the rain held off and we were able to stay dry.

Thank you to the Dollis Brookers community group for organising, and to the asylum seekers who came out to help their local community.