On a warm morning, we all eventually arrived at the meadow, not easy to find for newcomers (we all got lost the first time).

Alison, Paul and John shovelled a huge pile of woodchip into wheelbarrows, to be dispersed along the length of a long path. Caitlin, on her 15th Good Deed, used a rake to spread the woodchip, while rake-less Mali improvised with a special shoe-shuffle.

Becca and Beth were busy cutting back overhanging foliage; in fact Beth was working so fast she was just a blur (see picture). Sophie and Karen were also busy keeping untidy growth at bay. Steve moved some heavy paving stones, then sawed back some over-long branches.

This time, as well as Friends of CREOS we were joined by friend of everyone, Gus Dog. After we'd finished, the rain started to fall, having kindly held off until we completed our tasks.

Seven GoodGym runners came together to help O.R. Tambo Recreation Ground, (previously known as Albert Road Recreation Ground) three of us had run from Phoenix cinema in East Finchley 1.8 miles away. Others had come from various other locations. welcome to Naomi on her first Goodgym Barnet mission. give her a shout of support. We chatted as a group and met with Robby who gave us the tools to do the job. Jennifer showed us what to do ( previous borderline experience) and we started to widen the paths and expose the brick border. we couldn’t quite finish in our allotted time so will be back for more borderline exposure!

Goodgym Islington enjoyed a lovely morning out in the Crouch End Open Space (and the surrounding meadows), along with the local volunteer crew. The friends of CREOS, lead by Glenys and Jackie were thrilled to have so many helpers on hand - familiar faces and new attendees (including first timer Naomi- welcome!)

Our top task for the day was to lay down great piles of woodchip and logging along two main forest paths connecting to CREOS. The first was the North London Cricket Club car park and over to a branching path. The second was along the Greenways entrance to the Woodland Walk near Wood Vale. Between the two groups, Louise used her own secateurs to trim back overhanging branches and long strands of brambles covering the paths.

Over the course of two hours, our crew did a smashing job of rejuvenating the woodland paths with fresh, bouncy woodchip. Walkers, families and dog owners all commented on the great work we were doing, and inquired about how they could help out themselves! We downed tools just after 1pm, and were treated to a picnic hosted by the local volunteering group- a wonderful way to top off a productive morning!