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!

With the temperature dropping suddenly (even though it was the hottest start to May ever recorded) and a few Goodgymmers taken ill, just three of us managed the group run to Shepherds Hill Gardens. Anthony and I both rocked up a little early to the Phoenix, while Sonya gamely offered to meet us at the gardens, so we set off promptly at a gentle pace. We arrived early and did a decent stretch, before heading over to meet Pat, one of the amazing custodians of the green space.

We gathered tools, sacks and snacks - yes, one of the lovely perks of visiting, but not the reason we go! - and set to the laborious maintenance tasks that are a challenge for the older volunteers at the space. We swept the path and steps at the public-facing end of the woodland patch while Pat litter-picked and pruned hedges, then ferried the waste down to the compost pile in the wood. That alone was enough work for the four of us, so we decamped to a bench for some hot hibiscus berry tea and apple juice, to natter about the various volunteers and the jobs they have ahead of them.

Like many green spaces around Barnet, they're looking ahead to the extra work spring and summer brings and trying to build capacity for pruning and maintaining new growth. Keep an eye out for a dedicated Community Mission to help them at their regular sessions in May and June.

Six sturdy Goodgymmers met at the Phoenix for our regular group session. We welcomed Lucy for the first time, a keen and capable runner, as well as our regular crew, Beattie and Rachel, Anthony and our excellent photographer, Theodore.

Following a quick warm up down the side of the cinema (with thanks to Rachel for the evenings conversational topic: things you thought were bad at the time, but turned out to be good - lots of COVID stories), we crossed the nearby junction then scooted our way through the quieter roads and back alleys to Long Lane Pasture for our evening deeds. There, met by our inimical host Donald, we were handed ploggers, rakes, a pitchfork and barrows and split into two teams.

Team one jogged around the site litter-picking and tidying, while team two began clearing dead brambles to pile into a dead hedge. The second task is making way for a silver birch to be planted near the gates in memory of Wayne, a key figure in the Pasture's founding, who helped the community secure the original lease from Barnet Council. The brambles were piled into a dead hedge that will also stop visitors to the site from crossing through a key 'bee lane', from the apiaries to the nearby flower meadow.

With a solid four barrows of brambles and a sack of rubbish out of the way, we then jogged back to the Cinema, satisfied we'd made our impact on ourselves and for the community.

Tonight's group session was a gentle push around East Finchley, fundraising for a local school. The Archer Academy's Raise the Roof Campaign aims to build a new performing arts studio for their lower school students to rehearse in. It's an ambitious project and one our Goodgymmers wholeheartedly support!

Lucinda, Anthony and George set out into a light drizzle, with our usual warm up outside the Phoenix and then a gentle trek through side streets. We leapfrogged up Fortis Green to the 'shires', chatting as we went. Our ambitious plan to clear the small-looking stack of flyers in half an hour soon gave way to the very thin paper they were printed on. Like nuclear fission, they seemed to multiply in our pockets!

We covered a fair few streets before making our way back to the Phoenix, a thin stash remaining, where we were welcomed by the staff with gratitude. They'd promised to deliver loads themselves, so the small pile will sit for cinema goers to pick up.

If you can help the Archer Academy's campaign, please do!