GoodGym Barnet Community Mission: Lending a Hand at Shepherds Hill gardens.

Today, I had the pleasure of cycling over to Shepherds Hill Park in Crouch End, Highgate, arriving just in time to meet the wonderful Pat. She’s one of those local heroes who rarely gets the recognition they deserve—a steadfast volunteer who leads the Sunday Friends group, dedicated to keeping the park a welcoming and safe space for everyone. With limited council support and an aging volunteer base, Pat’s team has their hands full, but she was thrilled to welcome a few helping hands from GoodGym Barnet.

Ben and I joined Pat on the upper path, where she explained the group’s struggle to keep the park in shape despite their limited resources. It was eye-opening to hear just how challenging it can be to maintain a public space with only a handful of volunteers and barely enough equipment. But together, we tackled that path with gusto, raking up leaves, tidying behind benches, and filling compost heaps with what felt like a mountain of foliage! Other locals joined in, and it didn’t take long for us to turn the overgrown path into a clear, safe walkway for everyone to enjoy.

Pat’s gratitude was contagious, and after our hard work, we gathered for tea and biscuits. It was a simple but heartwarming moment of community connection, a chance to chat about the importance of keeping our green spaces alive and healthy. Pat mentioned her plans to approach the council for more equipment—just a few sturdy rubbish bags, gloves, and litter pickers would make a world of difference. It reminded me how crucial it is to support these small community groups. Without people like Pat, our parks would quickly fall into neglect.

Community missions like this make a real impact and show how just a couple of hours can go a long way. It’s a great reminder: even if you can only spare an hour every few weeks, your involvement matters. So, here’s to Pat, her Sunday Friends, and all the unsung heroes who keep our green spaces vibrant. And here’s to anyone who wants to join us next time—come along, have some fun, and make a difference!