On Tuesday 23 June, GoodGym Barnet braved the heat warnings (sensibly) to stay active and help our community at Highgate Wood... actually, a great place to be in this heat!

Most of us met at the Phoenix Cinema, where the conversation quickly turned to Britain’s highest recorded temperature: 40.3°C in Lincolnshire in July 2022. Richard won the debate! This week may not reach that peak, but prolonged heat, humidity and warm nights can be particularly challenging because our bodies and buildings have less opportunity to cool down.

After a gentle warm-up, we headed through the woods to meet Cindy. She enthusiastically shared news from a recent moth survey: 47 moths were caught and a range of different species.

We then visited the developing visitor centre, which will showcase the history and ecology of Highgate Wood—including a Roman pottery kiln dating from around AD 50–150. There will also be a Cindy corner.( that sounds like a legacy)

Our task was to repair a woodland fence that had been pulled apart to build dens. With plenty of willing hands, it was soon restored, leaving time for some Forest) bathing , stretching and movement with the breath.

Thanks to everyone who came along Please continue to take care in the heat—it is not only the highest temperature that matters, but also the duration, humidity and lack of cooler nights.

shout out to Abdikani on his first Community mission great effort!

A few people came online to do Yoga.

Yoga talk

Heat can make muscles feel looser and increase the cardiovascular challenge, but most proven benefits still come from the yoga itself. It may help focus and heat tolerance, but it also increases dehydration and overheating risk so ease off and listen to the body.

This morning's delivery at the North Finchley Community Grocery was a great start to the week. I ran, Paul cycled, we arrived warmed up (more than expected given this week's weather!) and ready for unpacking. Once the van arrived there was all sorts - yoghurts, lettuce, potatoes, cucumbers and bananas - so many bananas, they were everywhere.

A few runs up and down the ramps with trolleys then back down with some empty crates, and the delivery was over. Then we stuck around a bit longer to help sort things, take things down to the store cupboard and fridge, tidy up and we were done! A great boost.

Next week, one of their team is away, so they've asked for an extra pair of Goodgym hands - three of us. Sign up early, it's proving to be a popular one for those of us who want to start the week like we mean to go on.

Taking a Crack at the Playground Repair

After helping to clean up the children’s playground in the morning, I offered to return in the afternoon to help Warwick repair some vandalism to the tarmac.

In the heat, we gathered the equipment and mixed the ingredients together — rather like making a very heavy cake — before filling the hole and smoothing it over. Neither of us was completely sure of the perfect technique, but hopefully we have done enough to make it safe and durable for the children when the playground reopens.

A satisfying bit of teamwork, although it would be even better if parents could help keep an eye out and prevent this sort of damage happening again.

Hot work in the playground at Stephens House and Gardens. Volunteer Friday.

Stephens House and Gardens was closed for a big event on Friday morning, which gave the volunteers full access to the playground and a great opportunity to tidy it up.

My first job was clearing fallen cypress needles from the paths, before shovelling the scattered sand back into the sandpit. Sadly, we also discovered some vandalism to the playground tarmac, which will cost the Trust money and take a lot of volunteer effort to repair.

It was a very hot morning at around 25°C, but the team worked hard and got plenty done.

You can help keep this wonderful park open by volunteering, visiting the café or hiring one of the rooms at Stephens House. Every bit of support makes a difference.