Tree planting and litter picking were two initiatives in what became a weekend of community action organised by the Barnet Society and the Barnet Residents Association. 

Volunteers assembled on Barnet Hill to plant hawthorn saplings in the continuing effort to add trees and greenery alongside the main A1000 approach to High Barnet.

They were welcomed by Robin Bishop (far left) who has been co-ordinating a three-year project by the Barnet Society to plant a total of 350 saplings on the western edge of Barnet Hill to help screen the Vale Drive Clinic.

A dozen volunteers from the Sha’arei Tsedek North London Reform Synagogue in Oakleigh Road North planted another 60 saplings taking the total planted so far this winter to 180.  

Volunteer litter pickers were kitted out at The Spires shopping centre before heading out across the town.

The clean-up organised by the Barnet Residents Association was targeted on locations away from the High Street where there is often an unsightly build-up of litter.

Committee member Wendy Marler, the association’s lead on the environment, was on hand to hand out green plastic bags and other litter picking kit. (From left right, Dick Elms, Barry Henderson, Wendy Marler, and Jane Elms).

One of the toughest tasks – undertaken by Lynda Horne -- was clearing litter from the ditch along the cinder track between Byng Road and Cavendish Road.

Among the assorted detritus were over 40 plastic dog poo bags. “Disgusting,” said Ms Horne. “Why don’t people take them home, and put them in the bin?”

Mike Petersen tackled the verges and pavements around The Spires’ car park.  He is a veteran litter picker having once found a £5 note and a silver bracelet which he handed in to the Police.

Their efforts resulted in a heap of plastic bags filled with litter, left ready for collection.

The Barnet Hill tree planting was much appreciated event by the volunteers from the North London Reform Synagogue – their first communal outing since the start of the pandemic and the introduction of social distancing.

Barnet Society committee member Simon Kaufman and his wife Olga were assisted by their daughter Ana (3) who tried her hand at tree planting.

“We’ve all been looking forward to this family outing -- and a delayed but much anticipated celebration of Tu Bishvat, the Jewish New Year for trees.”