The Tiny Forest signpost and QR code needed to be switched around so that visitors could properly take part in the citizen science activities.

One of the Tree Keepers, Patrick, and I took the necessary tools down to the site and swapped the signs over. Thanks to Patrick’s help, we got the whole job completed pretty swiftly.

The QR code is now ready to use, so please consider visiting the Tiny Forest and taking part in some citizen science. Simply scan the code and follow one of the activities.

It’s a great way for children and families to explore nature during the summer holidays while also contributing useful information about how the Tiny Forest is developing.

Five Goodgymmers met for the run from the Phoenix to Shepherds Hill Gardens. Setting off in good time, we jogged the long road down to Highgate in good weather, to meet Pat and Joan, stalwarts of the friends group managing the lovely green space. Fanny soon joined us, followed a bit later by Amanda, so we had plenty of help for the tasks ahead.

We split into teams, Daniel and Richard trimming hedges at the top, while Subham got stuck in to the hedges lower down ibto the wood. Fanny and Paul started on litter picking, while I began sweeping and clearing the paths. Then we rotated, doing a record amount of tidying and trimming, then taking the green waste down to the compost pile, while stopping to admire the amazing view across Queens Wood.

Once done, and, we all stress it's never the reason we go , Pat broke out the famous refreshments we love so much - apple juice, fresh mint tea and biscuits. Then a quick wrap-up taking the tools back to Pat's, and the round trip back to the Phoenix for the five runners and a cheery wave goodbye to Fanny and Amanda.

With one of their key staff away this week, the Grocery asked for an extra pair of Goodgym hands to help with heavy lifting.

Paul, Subham and I rocked up ready to roll trolleys and carry crates. First the dairy delivery arrived, then the Felix food, with more dairy! Unfortunately one of the shop freezers broke down last week, so we stuck around a little longer to help as best we could with rearranging storage and stock.

Turns out playing Tetris with yoghurt, soup and apple slices is a very different skill to heavy lifting, but we did our best! More next week - sign up quick if you want a Monday morning run.

Five goodgymers went along to help the local community with citizen science activities at the Tiny Forests near Mutton Brook. There are four Tiny Forests there now, and there is a lot of work to do: litter picking, tree measuring, and various other experiments.

London Climate Action Week could not have come at a more appropriate time, with the whole of Europe baking under record high temperatures. And tree cover in urban areas is a hot topic, as we all battle to keep our cities livable in this new normal.

So it was great to see local citizens caring for their local forest cover: 2,400 trees planted by the community since 2022, with the help of environmental NGO Earthwatch.

Tiny Forests are densely packed areas of tree cover, planted using the now-famous Miyawaki method . The tree cover is all native species and they are ideal for urban environments, where space is at a premium.

We all got busy with different tasks, while enjoying the sight of butterflies and bees coming to feast on the flowers growing alongside the trees.

Looking forward to the next event at the Tiny Forests!