Four goodgymers joined the local community for a day of activities organised by environmental charity Earthwatch at the Mutton Brook Tiny Forest. Adults and children enjoyed a full day of citizen science: measuring trees to calculate carbon capture; counting creepy crawlies to assess the health of the natural area; testing the filtration properties of the soil. The weather was glorious and we collected tons of data that will help the scientific work that Earthwatch is doing at the 300 tiny forests around the country.

Tonight's litter pick was suggested by Daniel, who regularly visits one our of green missions - Long Lane Pasture. The path leading up to the gates is always in a bit of a state, so he suggested a clean up all along it. Turns out it was also a solid 4.5km circuit from our meeting point to the clean up and back, which was all the more encouragement.

The ever prompt Beattie was first to the Phoenix, followed soon by myself and Lucinda. After a quick warm up outside, we set off at a hearty pace, scooting across the Fortis Green Junction to East End Road, then through the back alleys of Market Place to Oak Lane, where we zigged and zagged (and checked directions once or twice) to find the North Circular crossing off Tarling Road.

Once across, we followed the path beside the circular until we hit Long Lane and found Daniel waiting for us with pickers and pluck to get us motivated. With head torches on, we scoured from the bottom of the slope up to Long Lane Pasture's gate then kept going. We reported two bulky heaps of fly-tipping along the way (using the FixMyStreet app - useful if you spot things while you're out and about in Barnet, as the council do check it) and filled four sacks with butts, packets, cans, bottles and all the usual stuff. We then carried the bags up Tangle Tree Close to the corner with East End Road, where we found a bin to leave the stash by.

With a job well done, we big Daniel a safe trek home, then the three remaining stalwarts jogged back along East End Road to the Phoenix for a warm down. All in, very satisfying!

If you missed the litter pick, we've our regular monthly plog you can do in your own time, with a friend or solo. And next week we'll be helping Martin Primary School with the usual garden tasks in their Forest Garden. Hope to see you there!