Three Goodgymmers ran from the Phoenix to Highgate Woods, on a lovely, clear post-rain evening. Theo and George, Barnet regulars, were joined by Michael, who travelled from Tower Hamlets to join us. Michael joined Goodgym during our January challenge this year and he now tries to do two group sessions per week. Great to have him with us! And well done to Theo for getting out after an intense sprinting session the day before.

Our run took us through Cherry Tree Woods, and out the back gate onto Fordington, where the actual cherry trees are dropping ripe (and unripe - probably the birds/squirrels) cherries all over the pavements there. We then trotted through backstreets to the Capital Ring, and up the hill into Highgate Wood to meet Ranger Cindy at the cafe.

It's not quite the end of nesting season, so Cindy didn't want to disturb any late fledglings with an ivy bash. Instead, she took us to a rough-and-ready bivouac put together by children and parents visiting the woods. Despite a list of rules to follow from Cindy - don't dig up wood that's become part of the ecosystem, don't take live branches, and dismantle it all when you're done - the bivouac was still standing.

So we got to work, de-camping the logs and carrying them across the clearing to create a natural boundary. A good bit of weightlifting and jogging back and forth across the clearing, and we were done in no time at all. After a quick chat about the rescue critters Cindy had been dealing with this spring - hedgehogs and a jay - we trotted off, with a promise to be back to take care of the ivy once the nests were clear.

17 GoodGymers spent their Monday evening helping out at the Prospect Walk Allotments just off Meath Gardens.

The task, led by longstanding task owner Catherine (and supported by Des and Liam) was straightforward but much needed: clearing bindweed from fences and cutting back overgrown trees and weeds that had started to take over the borders.

With private gardens often limited locally, allotments are a great asset for locals, but keeping them usable and accessible takes ongoing effort, so it was good to come and lend a hand with the weeding and pruning of the communal areas tonight.

Armed with gloves and tools, the group made a start, unravelling the long vines and clearing the way for light to reach the plots. (Bindweed's spread across large sections of the site, particularly along the fencing, where it tends to cling tightly and block out sunlight).

The team also pruned tree branches, including the wonderfully-named Heavenly Tree, and removed other fast-growing weeds that tend to creep in when left unchecked.

Working for just over an hour, the GoodGymers covered a great section of the site.

At just after 8 we posed for our final pic and made plans to return to a similar task a few doors down next month! A great night with a good turnout (and a big welcome to Nancy, who joined for her first GoodGym session!).

Until next time.

3 GoodGym volunteers helped Jack shift soil ready for new raised beds at Pembury Community Garden.

Once the community garden was located and the team found a work around to accessing the soil, which was within a locked garden area of the estate (solution = climbing over the fence), the task went ahead, as GoodGym joined Jack and the team for their regular growing session!

A true GoodGym workout with some extra problem-solving thrown in for good measure!

Great to meet first-timer, Brandon.

With 6 planters to fill, we'll be back at Pembury for more soil-shifting soon.