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.

With the clocks sprung forward and the light lingering a little longer, we gathered as usual outside the Phoenix Cinema for our pre-run chat on a beautiful spring evening. Better still, we were joined by two new recruits, always a welcome sight.Kbrom and Kidanemariam

To keep things simple, we kicked off with the important business of sharing our favourite colours, arranged from black to blue. Green turned out to be the winner with two votes, while Subham’s answer, naturally, varied according to mood.

Our task was pleasingly local .. just a 500m run downhill to Cherry Tree Wood, where we were helping the Friends group with some evening conservation work. On the way, and while there was still good light, we made the most of the grassy area for a warm-up: jogging in a wide circle, side steps, knees up, ground touches, direction changes, and a short sprint to catch the person in front. We even had time for a quick throw of the frisbee, which felt like a fine way to welcome the lighter evenings.

At the woods we met fellow volunteers including András and Rodger, who talked us through the tasks. One group cut back raspberries, while the other gathered dry branches and sticks to help create a natural dead hedge protecting the orchard area from the main path. Rodger had recently done a course on the technique, so the fence-building came with extra enthusiasm and know-how.

Soon enough we were hauling branches, building piles, and transporting materials across the site while the sun dropped and the different stages of twilight showed themselves through the trees. It was one of those evenings that reminds you why GoodGym is such a pleasure: fresh air, birdsong, nature, teamwork, and useful work done well. The finished fence looked fantastic too well worth a look in the photos.

After that, it was a short run back up the hill to the Phoenix for a warm-down, some stretches, and our goodbyes.

A lovely evening, great company, two new faces, and another satisfying bit of work for one of our local green spaces.