I made it to the Finchley Memorial Hospital for the second time this week.

The first time was to learn how Goodgymmers can help water the garden over the coming months, when volunteers are away. I found out where the tap was and what to do if the water tank was empty and the outdoor tap not even dripping. So I met security who let volunteers in through a fire exit to a cleaning cupboard with a tap, where we can fill watering cans.

All prepped, I was ready this session to then train up Subham, who jogged along to help - but there was no need! The outdoor tap was running fine, so we hooked up the hose and ran around under Lisa's supervision, making sure everything was watered and happy. The friendly robin bounced around as usual, and we spotted many pollinators.

All in, it was a good test to make sure the volunteers have cover over the coming months. They're continuing with their normal Friday morning sessions, and will need some help putting woodchip on the beds soon, to help retain moisture and heat. Keep an eye out for more listings!

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.