The Friends are representatives from each of several volunteer
conservation groups working within The Shire Country Park, together with the City Park
Rangers. They keep up to date with work going on in each group and the jobs needing
to be tackled within this extremely beautiful area. Volunteers are always
welcome to join any of the conservation groups working within this extremely beautiful
natural landscape within a few miles of Birmingham City Centre. This site is to keep
members and visitors aware of workdays and events. The links above will
lead you to information about the groups and their individual activities.
The Shire Country Park runs alongside the River Cole from
Solihull in the South, to the Ackers Trust in Small Heath to the North with adjacent areas
included as you will see from the Map. More details can be found on the map page
within this website.
The oldest conservation group working within the boundaries of the Park is The River Cole
and Chinn Brook Conservation Group, founded just over 25 years ago. Volunteers
worked tirelessly for many years along the River Cole Valley. Since then, however,
several other groups have formed wishing to work and maintain selected areas along
the River Cole Valley and surrounding areas of green space. The various groups
together, form connecting environmental beads on the ribbon of water that is the River
Cole.
Keep your eyes peeled for the 'Brum Reapers' in the Hall Green
area. If you spot a gang of folk with scythes, it is not the apocalypse but
volunteers from SEAT (Sarehole Environmental Action Team) who were awarded funding to buy
scythes and a days training in their use and maintenance. They are helping to
maintain the meadows in the area in a traditional and more environmentally friendly way.
Volunteers are always welcome.
If you would enjoy the company of like-minded individuals working
to care for their surroundings and the natural environment, then click on this Map link or the one at the
top of this page and you will find the groups on the map of the Shire Country Park.
Click on the tree nearest the group most convenient to you and it will take you to their
page. You will find historical information and lists of work days and events.
You are, of course, welcome to join any of the groups for as many, or as few days as you
wish, and if distance is no object, use the Conservation Workdays and Event buttons to
find a date when you are free. For further details about The Shire Country Park,
a link that will take you to the page giving details of its history, importance and the
natural history of the area.
There is no membership fee
and tools and necessary equipment will be provided.
It is much more fun and cheaper than a gym!
You are advised that volunteers wear
clothing suitable for all weathers and to bring along refreshments and a packed lunch if
the work programme runs into the afternoon.
