GoodGym and Tiny Forest: A Sustainable Solution for a Healthier Barnet”? 🏃🌳

On Thursday, 16th of November 2023, a GoodGym and Tiny Forest stall was set up at the Eco show and tell sustainability fair that was held at Middlesex University. The stall was very successful, with many students and officials visiting.

Barnet Council declared a climate and biodiversity emergency in May 2022, recognizing that urgent action is needed to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. Being a sustainable borough means working together to prepare for future changes, look after the environment, and protect green spaces and biodiversity for future generations. By becoming more sustainable, Barnet can become a more social, economic, and environmentally sustainable borough.

GoodGym is a national charity that aims to get people active and connected with their local community and environment .They do this by physically supporting local green spaces, building fitness and resilience in their members, encouraging active travel, and discovering and engaging with the local environment and its communities . The Tiny Forest is a dense, fast-growing native woodland located in urban environments, where nature is most needed. It provides a regular touch point for the community with its citizen science it helps people reconnect with nature, and enhances well-being.

Focusing on local issues is important because it allows us to take action and make a difference in our own communities. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the scale of global problems, but by focusing on what we can do in our own neighborhoods, we can make a real impact . This approach can also help to reduce anxiety and feelings of helplessness that can arise from thinking about problems that are outside of our control . By working together with local people, communities, and businesses across the borough, Barnet can become net zero carbon by 2042. This type of activity matters to Barnet because it promotes sustainable activities and encourages people to get involved in their local community and environment. It also helps to build a sense of community and connection among people.

Thank you to The Eco Show and Tell sustainability fair which was organised by Our Home Our Planet CIC together with Barnet Multi-Faith Forum, Middlesex University Inter Faith Network , funded by North London Waste Authority, and is also part of the national week-long Inter Faith Week.