This Saturday at 11 am, a spirited group gathered at Highgate Woods to embark on a fulfilling starter community mission with GoodGym Barnet. Under the guidance of Ranger Cindy, our dedicated team delved into a series of tasks aimed at enhancing the natural beauty of the woodland.

Our first mission involved clearing sticks from the football pitch, ensuring a safe and injury-free environment for upcoming games. With enthusiasm and teamwork, we swiftly tackled the task, setting the stage for a day of impactful contributions.

Ranger Cindy then led us deeper into the woods to repair fences, safeguarding young saplings and delicate spring flowers. Our collective effort not only protected the local ecosystem but also strengthened the bonds within our diverse group.

Cindy then took more time out to show us how the recent storms had affected some of the trees.

After completing the vital woodland tasks, we discovered a serene spot to engage in some gentle yoga and forest bathing. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, we relished in the calming effects of the woodland environment, fostering a sense of well-being and connection.

The morning culminated in an active and social gathering, leaving everyone with a profound sense of accomplishment and community spirit. Joining GoodGym isn't just about volunteering; it's about embracing an active lifestyle while making a positive impact on local communities.

Together, we're not just running or volunteering – we're making a difference, one mission at a time.

welcome to our new member Kubilay please give him a shout out.

Kubilay said This was my first event with GoodGym and it was great. I am looking forward to the next session.

Our Goodgym crew caught up with the lovely team at Crouch End Open Space on Sunday morning for our first working session of Autumn. Our tasks involved preparing pathways for visitors over the Winter months by laying wood chip across potentially mud covered surfaces, and by trimming back overgrown foliage to ensure safe passage. To complete a solid work day, we were invited to a community picnic, just before the heavens opened!

Six GoodGym members came together to help Highgate Woods. Four gathered at Phoenix cinema to run the 2 km to meet with Cindy, the park ranger and our sixth member Karen ( and thanks for the pun!) It was a beautiful mild evening as we ran through Cherry Tree Wood and then Highgate Woods as the sun started to set. Cindy was really pleased with our last efforts, as she showed how the path that we had made, remained intact, and had diverted people away from the growing trees and shrubs. With this in mind, we started to create other forest fences for the same affect. Cindy also told us about a recent pair of nesting hobbies, that have had chicks, which is the first time in six years! She was very Hobby! A hobby is a fairly small, very swift falcon with long, narrow wings. They specialise in being superb aerialists that can catch dragonflies, and even Swifts on the wing. We finished up with some forest bathing yoga before running out of the woods. Unfortunately we weren’t quick enough to beat the locking of the gates at 8 pm. Luckily, we were limbered up enough to get over the fence and head back to the Phoenix for a warm down. Well done for Ruslan for doing a couple of sprints on the way back. Really nice to meet Yesika for the first time. Big shout out for our most reliable, runners and sisters Beattie & Rachel Thanks for coming running and doing some good!