An intrepid crew of runners braved the mud to help out with path laying, bramble control and tree planting at Crouch End Open Space (CREOS). Due to the cold weather, some of us were in ninja mode, with flashes of red as the giveaway.

The path laying was particularly needed, as floods last year had damaged the approach from Queens Wood. A posse of volunteers came to the rescue, with wheelbarrows and hoggin - a sand based mixture that sets quickly.

With the hoggin being spread, we also set about clearing a drainage channel at the side of the path.

After all that, it was time for a well deserved tea break. John and Karen arrived, fresh from den making at Highgate woods - a double mission Sunday for them!