A group of Barnet goodgymmers got together near Henlys Corner in North London, at the site of a proposed Tiny Forest, to be planted by the council and environmental charity Earthwatch.

A Tiny Forest is a dense and rapidly growing native woodland in a small area. It will provide a protected habitat for wildlife, capture carbon, filter the air of harmful particulates and reduce flooding and soil loss. You can find out more about the benefits of a Tiny Forest on the Earthwatch website.

This Barnet tiny forest is scheduled to be planted this winter. GoodGym is going to play a big part in this project by engaging the local community to help with planting, fencing, weeding and generally looking after this Tiny Forest over the coming years.

Our first support mission was a straightforward litter pick. We fanned out across the site and got to work, uncovering a treasure trove of trash!

It was a lovely, sunny summer evening and after the litter pick we did some exercise in the fading sun. The group got very excited about the Tiny Forest project. We are all looking forward to taking part in this exciting environmental initiative.

Ten GoodGym members gathered at Stephen’s house and gardens to help the bothy gardeners. We gathered in a socially distant circle to number up and chat about our favourite celebrity encounter. These ranged from dinner with the Beckhams, passing the salt to Jude Law, chatting with David Attenborough, and strange encounters with Hugh Laurie. (So much more to find out for next time!) After we had finished the celebrity gossip Alison took us to the Bothy garden and split us into three teams. One team swept the paths, another swept the sand back in to the sandpit (that’s kids for you) and the last group gathered wood in the compound for chipping. We Just had a little time left to do some gentle warm down stretches on the Bothy lawn. A magical quiet spot within the gardens and Bothy walls. Thanks for coming and doing some good. Shout out for Judith on her first visit and for Rachel getting over the maagical 50 good deeds.

Paul

Nine neat Goodgym members gathered at a new green space called the Finchley way. It was the site of a grand old house that would have dominated the area in the 1800. It is now a rather large mound of earth, which we gathered below to listen to Alan from the friends group.(who are looking to develop the site ) Alan was very meticulous in his description of potential hazards for the task ahead. He even mentioned wild bees (something I have never talked about in a safety briefing .... how little do I know!) Most of us were put to work clearing bushes from the fence line to allow a view onto the grass. We then moved the cut branches into a pile for collection by the council. Others were litter picking. After this was completed Richard took us further into the wood which was being cleared by other volunteers. Including our own Diane who had arrived early and had been appropriated into another working party. ( Give her a cheer for her enthusiasm as she had already done a massive delivery for Colindale food bank!) We got a view of the grade 2 listed flats built in the 1900 and told the story of why they were built. Then all of a sudden a lady was rushing towards us ripping off her shirt as she was being accosted by wild bees. It was at his point that our enthusiasm for history and strange communes wanned and we headed back out to the relative safety of the grass. We then headed home.(all except Diane who was still working in the wood). Thanks for coming and doing good. Lets hope the bees find a new home for our next visit as there is so much more to see and do here.

Give everyone a cheer! (click on the red name to do so) Saba whos approaching her 100 good deeds Aase on 19 good deeds and cycles everywhere! Kirsten for her sawing technique and 23 good deeds. Niki litter picking duty and a regular with 8 GD Manish A welcome new member and litter picker on the night TeresaA welcome new member and litter picker Harry Sawing an enormous log and the last to exit the swarming wood.(except for Diane)

keep moving and remember always BEE careful!

Paul