GoodGym Barnet: Buckets of Fun at Lyttelton!

You just can’t beat GoodGym in the summer – running in T-shirts and shorts, soaking up the evening warmth, and doing something good for the local community. This week, we took on a brand-new task: watering pollinator planters and fruit trees in Lyttelton Playing Fields – a leafy patch of green tucked into Hampstead Garden Suburb.

As always, we gathered outside the trusty Phoenix Cinema, where the pre-run chatter somehow turned to interesting relatives – the kind of chat that’s ripe for a bit of gentle teasing and a guaranteed follow-up during the task. Classic GoodGym: social fitness at its finest.

It was a short jog downhill through quiet streets – just over 2km – with the summer air feeling fresh and just right. This week was extra special as we welcomed back Phil, returning from a long hiatus due to a back injury. We kept the pace relaxed and let him guide the warm-up. No pressure, no race – just people moving together and supporting each other.

At Lyttelton Playing Fields, we were met by Stephen from the local Friends group, who gave us the lowdown on the ongoing community projects in the area. Our task? Give the planters of pollinator-friendly flowers and young fruit trees a solid soaking.

Armed with a very long yellow hose and a battalion of buckets, we set to work. Of course, the hosepipe couldn’t quite reach every corner, so teamwork came into play – some walked, some ran with buckets (some impressively carried two!), while others filled and ferried water back and forth. There was a steady rhythm to it: fill, carry, water, swap. And before long, the trees and planters were all looking perkier.

After wrapping up, most of us jogged back up to the Phoenix for a gentle warm-down – and a well-earned drink at the local pub.

Thanks to everyone who came along, helped out, and made it such a warm and welcoming evening. Check out next week’s run – you can join us at the Phoenix or meet us at the task. See you there for more running and more doing good!

Three goodgymers joined local community activists at the Mutton Brook tiny forests, for a wet morning of weeding and litter picking. The rain came down, which was great for the trees, not so good for the workers! But we all persevered, and dug up a mountain of weeds that had been growing since the tiny forest trees were planted in March. The tiny forests at the site are part of a scientific experiment with different growing conditions. We saw oaks, hollys, hazels, all thriving.

There's plenty more work to do there, so we look forward to going again soon!

Brambles, Banter and Baby Bottles: A Run to Remember at Cherry Tree Woods

We kicked off the evening at he Phoenix Cinema with our now-traditional circle chat—this time diving into our earliest childhood memories. From the sound of milk bubbling in baby bottles to first flights to India and tales of youthful bumps and scrapes, the stories flowed almost as freely as the banter and laughter.

With nostalgia warmed, we split into runners and walkers and headed downhill to Cherry Tree Woods—just half a kilometre away. One kind passer-by even applauded us on our way down, a first for many of us!

At the woods, we met András, our fantastic host from the Friends of Cherry Tree Wood, who had tools lined up and tasks ready. But first—bramble bashing could wait—a quick fitness session on the open field. Some warm up exercises and a nice plank to finish. we are now ready to take on the brambles!

Armed with loppers, rakes, and shovels, we got stuck into clearing overgrown brambles. We powered through the first patch so quickly that we tackled a second area before time ran out. Litter was picked, pathways cleared, and even some locals stopped to say thank you.

As we walked and ran back in small groups, it was clear just how much can be achieved in under an hour when a group of people come together with purpose and energy. It’s always a privilege to support local volunteer groups like Friends of Cherry Tree Wood, whose ongoing work makes these spaces safe and welcoming for the whole community.

The first person to read this and write a comment get a drink from me!