West Midlands Projects

Sheila's Meadow Makeover
Where? Birmingham
When? July 8th 2008
What's it about? Wildflower meadow improvements. We will be removing nettles and brambles, coppice willow and sycamore. Creating a dead hedge and clearing waterways and attend to ponds. It's all in accordance with the management plan for the Local Nature Reserve.
Where's it happening? Meadows, Beaks Hull Road, Kings Norton, Birmingham
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, Sturdy Footwear, Packed Lunch
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets
How many NEW volunteers required? 6
Press/Volunteer Contact: Phil Evans (0771 022 7937)
Organised by: Friends of Kings Norton Nature Reserve
REF E553

Bordesley Green Allotment Planting
Where? Birmingham
When? 14/7/08
What's it about? A group of volunteers are coming from Gloucester to take part in a gardening activity in a community garden in Bordesley Green. Duties will include the planting of vegetables, cleaning and weeding of the allotment.
Where's it happening? Bordesley Green Allotments, Marchmont Road, Birmingham
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: S. K. Choudhury (07821 543 647)
Organised by: Mohila Shomiti
REF E570

Streets Alive
Where? Birmingham
When? June 22nd 2008
What's it about? This project combines a selection of street entertainers and performers providing a showcase of talent and skills including juggling, poi, poetry, dance and singing along. There is a number of taster sessions. We will use this event to promote sustainability by running a practical project before, during and after the event incorporating recycling, rubbish collection, reducing travel and raising awareness.
Where's it happening? Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing, Packed Lunch
What will be provided: Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? 0
Press/Volunteer Contact: Carolyn Dawe (0784 368 1514)
Organised by: Birmingham City University
Email: cazdawe13@googlemail.com
REF E551

Pinehurst Pampas Perfection
Where? Birmingham
When? July 22nd 2008
What's it about? The development of a grassland area for the general use local residents. We will be clearing nettles and brambles and create 'bug hotels'. Also removing litter and planting wildflowers. The project is all in accordance with the management plan of the Local Nature Reserve.
Where's it happening? Pinehurst Meadows, 32 Pinehurst Drive, Birmingham
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, Sturdy Footwear, Packed Lunch
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required? 6
Press/Volunteer Contact: Phil Evans (0771 022 7937)
Organised by: Friends of Kings Norton Nature Reserve
REF E552

Nature Haven for Hockley Heath
Where? Solihull
When? 8 July 2008
What's it about? We are seeking to develop an area on the school site into a nature area, both for use for class activities, as well as a place for children to relax during lunch breaks.
Where's it happening? School Road, Hockley Heath, Solihull
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Tools and Materials, Protective Clothing, Packed Lunch
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Refreshments
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets
How many NEW volunteers required? 20
Press/Volunteer Contact: Fiona Mason (01564 783161)
Organised by: Hockley Heath Primary School
Email: office@hockley-heath.solihull.sch.uk
REF E416

LNR Litter-Pick
Where? Wolverhampton
When? 20 July 2008
What's it about? The children will be doing their bit to improve Wolverhampton's only officially-designated Local Nature Reserve (Smestow Valley LNR) by collecting litter and recycling whatever they can.
Where's it happening? Smestow Valley LNR (meet at Wildside - address as above), Wolverhampton
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets
How many NEW volunteers required? 6
Press/Volunteer Contact: Wildside Activity Centre (01902 572240)
Organised by: Wildside Volunteers
Email: info@wildsideac.co.uk
REF E565

Completed Projects

Refurbishing the Bird Feeding Area
Where? Birmingham
When? 7 April 2008
What's it about? Four groups of Beaver scouts, with adult supervision will load bird feeders and attach them to a line within the bird feeding area.
Where's it happening? Harborne Nature Reserve, Periera Road, Birmingham
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, Sturdy Footwear
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partial
Any restrictions? No pets, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Roger Cobley (0121 420 1641)
Organised by: St Faith & St Laurence Beaver Scout
REF E104

Hands on Herbs
Where? Birmingham
When? 8 April
What's it about? Volunteers will help to create a hands on herb area in several areas of our school. These sensory areas will be used by both adults and children in both learning and play setting. Some herb areas will also be used as cooking resources, with both parents and children using these areas to explore taste and cooking. The herb areas will provide a hands on, safe place for the whole school and the community to enjoy and explore.
Where's it happening? St Benedicts Road, Small Heath, Birmingham
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Jodi Winter (0121 464 6420)
Organised by: St Benedicts Infant School
Email: enquiry@stbenedic.bham.sch.uk
REF E141

Colours for the Community
Where? Birmingham
When? 29 April
What's it about? Volunteers will help to create a rainbow of colour around the entrance to our school building. Plants with vibrant colours will be used to brighten up our concrete Jungle. This will make the entrance to the school a happy and inviting place to be. Some of the colourful plants will also be used along the main fencing at the front of the school to make the school a warm and welcoming place for parents and children.
Where's it happening? St Benedicts Road, Small Heath, Birmingham
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required? 2
Press/Volunteer Contact: Jodi Winter (0121 464 6420)
Organised by: St Benedicts Infant School
Email: enquiry@stbenedic.bham.sch.uk
REF E142

'Heath Land' / 'Splash of Spring Colour' / 'Summer Tones'
Where? Birmingham
When? 16/4/08 to 30/4/08
What's it about? - Turn over soil; removing weeds, rocks and debris. - Add sand to wet clay soil to improve texture/ drainage. - Provide gloves/ plants/ forks/ trowels and a broom to remove anything that falls on playground. - water/ tend regularly - children to become water monitors.
Where's it happening? Thornton Road, Ward End, Birmingham
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: ()
Organised by: Thornton Junior School
REF E260

Action Allens Croft
Where? Birmingham
When? 2/6/08
What's it about? Each class/group over the entire school (Years 12-6) will spend 2 hour sessions in the afternoon litter picking around the Allens Croft area. It is an area of social and economic deprivation. Litter, graffiti and fly-tipping occurs with increasing regularity. We will discuss with the children the dangers and disadvantages litter etc causes to our area. Parents will be invited with classes.
Where's it happening? Allens Croft Road (surrounding area), Kings Heath, Birmingham
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Emily Dimmick (0121 675 2611)
Organised by: Allens Croft Primary School
Email: enquiry@allcroft.bham.sch.uk
REF E118

St Bernadettes Bird Box Bonanza
Where? Birmingham
When? 5th June 2008
What's it about? As part of environment day , year 2 pupils will be working with a carpenter and volunteers to learn about the wildlife around school, and then under supervision build bird boxes and feeders. These will be placed around the school grounds.
Where's it happening? Hob Moor Road, Yardley, Birmingham
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets, No under 16s, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: L Bowen (0121 783 7232)
Organised by: St Bernadette's Primary School
REF E199

Fresh Air Litter Pick
Where? Birmingham
When? 21 June 2008
What's it about? As part of our project we aim to raise the awareness of health and wellbeing which is why this event is associated with the British Heart Foundation. We aim to encourage people to use the outdoor spaces in Birmingham and we also intend to do a litter pick to encourage caring for the environment in a City Centre location. This event will experience a large footfall.
Where's it happening? Victoria Square, Birmingham City Centre, Birmingham
What to wear/bring: Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets, No under 16s
How many NEW volunteers required? 0
Press/Volunteer Contact: Carolyn Dawe (07843681514)
Organised by: Birmingham City University
Email: cazdawe13@googlemail.com
REF E566

Concrete to Coriander - Open Day Planting
Where? Birmingham
When? 30/6/08
What's it about? The project is running throughout June and has attracted volunteers from overseas. This day will be an opportunity for women to plant flowers and say thank you to Daiha - a volunteer from Columbia.
Where's it happening? Small Heath Park, Coventry Road, Birmingham
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear
What will be provided: Refreshments, Lunch, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Irena Iwegbu (0121 327 6054)
Organised by: Mohila Shomiti
REF E569

Towpath Tidy - Angelseys Branch Canal
Where? Brownhills
When? 24 March 2008
What's it about? This is a community project to clean up litter that has accumulated in & around the Anglesey Branch Canal in Brownhills using the centre's canoes.
Where's it happening? Millfield School, Catshill Road, Brownhills
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, Packed Lunch, Dress appropriately for the weather.
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Tools & Materials, Litter picking equipment ( bags ,gloves, pick sticks, skip
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Children under 8 to be accompanied by an adult, Children under 8 to be accompanied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required? 10
Press/Volunteer Contact: Martin Foxall (07729301415)
Organised by: Brownhills Canoe and Outdoor Centre
Email: brownhillscanoecentre@hotmail.com
REF E64

The Attack Of Litter on Bradbury Park
Where? Brownhills
When? 16/04/08
What's it about? Collecting litter from a park that is quite small, within a community of all ages with a school. The children from Millfield School with headmaster and also the Youth Club will meet at school where they will all be warned of the dangers by the Park Department of Walsall Council. They will then be given bags and gloves and then walk to the park for a litter pick. Then it is back to the school for refreshments and where the certificates will be handed out and prizes given for most litter picked. We will also give each child a packet of seeds to plant at home.
Where's it happening? Bradbury Park, Furst Street, Brownhills
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets
How many NEW volunteers required? 20
Press/Volunteer Contact: Gail J Plant M.B.E. (01543 821 529)
Organised by: Friends of Bradbury Park
REF E112

Towpath Tidy - Wyrly and Essington Canal
Where? Brownhills, Walsall
When? 23 March 2008
What's it about? This is a community project to clean up litter that has accumulated in & around the Wyrley & Essington Canal in Brownhills using the centre's canoes.
Where's it happening? Brownhills Canoe & Outdoor Centre, Silver Street, Brownhills, Walsall
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, Sturdy Footwear, Dress appropriately for the weather.
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Tools & Materials, Litter picking equipment ( bags ,gloves, pick sticks, skip
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Children under 8 to be accompanied by an adult, Children under 8 to be accompanied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required? 10
Press/Volunteer Contact: Martin Foxall (07729301415)
Organised by: Brownhills Canoe and Outdoor Centre
Email: brownhillscanoecentre@hotmail.com
REF E56

Gardening Party - Spring has Sprung
Where? Oldbury
When? 3 May
What's it about? This is an ideal time for the volunteers, to start looking after the garden before the plants and weeds grow out of control. This will also keep the garden looking presentable and encourage clients to use the garden to its full potential. Weeding, sweeping and clearing the patio will also take place.
Where's it happening? The Bereavement Centre, Popes Lane, Oldbury
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Lunch, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Gayna Woodland (0121 5444510)
Organised by: Cruse Bereavement Care Sandwell
REF E158

Feeding our Friends
Where? Small Heath
When? 09 May
What's it about? Volunteers will create a vegetable garden at our local Eco park. They will help to dig over the beds and pot up vegetable seeds. Crops such as potatoes and onions will be planted immediately in the ground. These vegetable, including a variety of other vegetables, grown from seeds, will provide a wonderful harvest later in the year and will be cooked for the local pensioners for harvest festival.
Where's it happening? Eco Park, 258a Hobmoor Road, Small Heath
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Jodi Winter (0121 464 6420)
Organised by: St Benedicts Infant School
Email: enquiry@stbenedic.bham.sch.uk
REF E143

Take Pride In Your Brook
Where? Smethwick
When? 8 June 2008
What's it about? We are currently trying to restore an area of natural beauty which runs through a residential area by involving local people of all ages which will include litter picks, clearing the brook of pollution, planting new trees and trying to entice new wildlife to the area. We are particularly trying to attract bats back to the area. (The BBC will also be present as part of their Spring watch feature).
Where's it happening? Thimbelmill Brook, Norman Road, Smethwick
What to wear/bring: Refreshments, Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partially
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? 20
Press/Volunteer Contact: Peter Webb (Secretary) (0121 429 5994)
Organised by: Friends of Thimblemill Brook
REF E321

Treginnis Gardening Club
Where? Solihull
When? 17/5/08
What's it about? Pupils of the school will help to create a new garden where children can sit outside for sessions pertaining to the environment in the summer months. We plan to put bird boxes up, tidy areas around the school and plant shrubs and trees to Attract wildlife and get the children to appreciate gardening/ growing things.
Where's it happening? Our Lady of Compassion R.C. School, Kineton Green Road, Solihull
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
Any restrictions? No pets, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: ()
Organised by: OLC Parents Association
Email: office@olc.solihull.sch.uk
REF E381

Greenfingers @ Greenacres
Where? Sutton Coldfield
When? 04/04/2008
What's it about? Improving gardens at Greenacres by planting new flowers and plants to give it a welcoming, colourful, fragrant and Mediterranean theme.
Where's it happening? 39 Vesey road, Sutton Coldfield
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Tools and Materials, Protective Clothing, Packed Lunch
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets, No under 16s, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Elizabeth Jones (01213547753)
Organised by: Greenacres Leonard Cheshire Disability
Email: elizabeth.jones@LCDisability.org
REF E244

Coming to our Senses!
Where? Walsall
When? 23 May 2008
What's it about? The project will create a sensory garden. Plants that encourage the children from all years to smell, see, touch, hear and taste (under certain conditions!) will be planted in a small garden. The plants will enhance the curriculum and encourage children to enjoy the outside. The volunteers will prepare the flower bed under supervision and plant suitable plants in the small piece of land.
Where's it happening? Millfield Primary School, Catshill Road, Brownhills,, Walsall
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No pets, Adult helpers and school children from Millfield Primary School, Adult helpers and school children from Millfield Primary School
How many NEW volunteers required? 0
Press/Volunteer Contact: Pete Bispham Headmaster (01543 452513)
Organised by: Millfield Primary School
Email: missephillips@yahoo.co.uk
REF E338

Creative Bird Boxes
Where? West Bromwich
When? 14 April 2008
What's it about? Children will learn about looking after the environment and creating nesting homes for wildlife in the community
Where's it happening? Hollyhedge Road, West Bromwich
What to wear/bring: Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Refreshments, Lunch, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partial
Any restrictions? No pets
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Samantha Guy (0121 5241950)
Organised by: YMCA O.S.C Pennyhill OSC
REF E9

Creative Bird Homes
Where? West Bromwich
When? 18 April 2008
What's it about? Children will learn about looking after the environment and creating nesting homes for wildlife in the community
Where's it happening? 38 Carters Green, West Bromwich
What to wear/bring: Protective Clothing
What will be provided: Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partial
Any restrictions? No pets
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Samantha Guy (0121 5241950)
Organised by: YMCA West Bromwich & District
Email: samanthaguy.wbymca.org.uk
REF E10

Colour My Grass
Where? West Midlands
When? 12 May 2008
What's it about? Plant & Create borders around grass areas around the site, The designs to be followed for this garden area have been developed & completed by the pupils
Where's it happening? Regents Road, Tiverdale, West Midlands
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Protective Clothing, Packed Lunch
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets, Children under 16 must be accomapnied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required? 3
Press/Volunteer Contact: Mrs P Willets (01384 254565)
Organised by: Tiverdale Hall Primary School
Email: headteacher@tividalehall.sandwell.sch.uk
REF E46

Growing Green
Where? Wolverhampton
When? 15 April 2008
What's it about? We will be demonstrating a variety of organic gardening techniques to show different ways of growing food without the need for environmentally-damaging chemicals. We hope this will also encourage people to grow their own, thereby reducing their "food miles."
Where's it happening? Sandy Lane Allotments, Sandy Lane, Wolverhampton
What to wear/bring: Sturdy Footwear, Packed Lunch
What will be provided: Health & Safety, Training, Refreshments, Tools & Materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No pets
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Volunteer Contact: Chris Munton (01902 572240)
Organised by: Wildside Volunteers
Email: info@wildsideac.co.uk
REF E111