Tiny Forest Citizen Science Run – Tuesday Night at Its Best!

We gathered at the Phoenix Cinema under perfect summer skies — ideal running weather that had us marvelling at how different it was from the storms and snowfalls we reminisced about. The infamous storm of ‘87 came up (the one the forecasters definitely didn’t see coming!), vividly remembered by Anthony as an eight-year-old, alongside other wild weather events we’ve seen over the years. But tonight? Glorious.

After a warm-up in the Phoenix foyer, we set off on a 2km run through the backstreets and then along the leafy paths by Mutton Brook. George was our trusty back-marker, making sure no one was left behind.

At the Tiny Forest near Henley’s Corner — the same one some of us helped plant three years ago — now joined by three more tiny forest recently. We split into small groups for some citizen science: Anthony and I tackled an insect survey, while another group explored the older forest looking for pollinators cue a spirited debate about whether a nest of ladybirds counted! For the record — ladybirds are great! They help control aphids and other garden pests, making them a natural friend to forests and gardeners alike.

After logging our findings for Earthwatch, we rounded off with a plank challenge — over a minute of solid core-strengthening effort from all involved. (Highly recommended if you fancy a full-body workout at home.)

Memory had to dash off to a meeting, but the rest of us jogged back to the Phoenix, soaking up the golden hour. Huge thanks to George for bringing along some delicious vegan biscuits — a well-earned treat!

Thanks to everyone for coming, for running, and for doing good. See you next week!

I joined Pauline's monthly litter picking posse outside Christ Church for another bash at streets around Tally Ho. Eight of us split into two teams of four and worked our way along the High Road to Churchfield Avenue, down the cut through to Woodhouse Road, then along the way toward Woodhouse College.

We spotted a road sweeper out and about, and while it was doing a great job along the roadside of the kerbs, there was plenty more for us to do. Coming back along Summers Lane, we found a stash of fly-tipped building materials and other rubbish chucked behind the hedges at the entrance to the Glebelands Indoor Bowls Club, which we bravely dug out.

All in, some lovely weather and company, and a good bit of exercise. We'll be back at it next month, but may need to bring our own kit if numbers are as good as this time.

Three Goodgymmers ran from the Phoenix to Highgate Woods, on a lovely, clear post-rain evening. Theo and George, Barnet regulars, were joined by Michael, who travelled from Tower Hamlets to join us. Michael joined Goodgym during our January challenge this year and he now tries to do two group sessions per week. Great to have him with us! And well done to Theo for getting out after an intense sprinting session the day before.

Our run took us through Cherry Tree Woods, and out the back gate onto Fordington, where the actual cherry trees are dropping ripe (and unripe - probably the birds/squirrels) cherries all over the pavements there. We then trotted through backstreets to the Capital Ring, and up the hill into Highgate Wood to meet Ranger Cindy at the cafe.

It's not quite the end of nesting season, so Cindy didn't want to disturb any late fledglings with an ivy bash. Instead, she took us to a rough-and-ready bivouac put together by children and parents visiting the woods. Despite a list of rules to follow from Cindy - don't dig up wood that's become part of the ecosystem, don't take live branches, and dismantle it all when you're done - the bivouac was still standing.

So we got to work, de-camping the logs and carrying them across the clearing to create a natural boundary. A good bit of weightlifting and jogging back and forth across the clearing, and we were done in no time at all. After a quick chat about the rescue critters Cindy had been dealing with this spring - hedgehogs and a jay - we trotted off, with a promise to be back to take care of the ivy once the nests were clear.

12 Goodgym members separately went out in the month of May to litter pick local streets and green spaces!

Phil said One full bag and 4 thank yous