We have said a special ‘thank you’ to all the volunteers who support parks and green spaces across the district.
This committed group, more than 25 regulars in number, help the Parks Teams by working on a variety of activities throughout the year including litter picking, conservation tasks, gardening, supporting at events and surveying wildlife.
Yesterday (Wednesday 4 December), volunteers gathered at the Discovery Hub in Beacon Park to meet with members of the Parks Team who acknowledged their contribution.
They have helped at many sites this year including Princes Park in Burntwood, Stowe Pool and Stowe Fields, LDC’s plot at the National Memorial Arboretum, the six Tiny Forests across the district, the Festival Gardens (for Lichfield City Council), Wharf Lane, Muckley Corner and Beacon Park.
Their work helped Beacon Park win the coveted Green Flag – the international quality mark for parks and green spaces – this summer and last month visitors voted it one of the ten best Green Flag parks in the UK from more than 2,200 eligible locations.
Lyn Hunt, Historic Parks Manager at Lichfield District Council, said:
“We are extremely grateful for the dedication and friendliness of our volunteers. The groups, including Friends of Lichfield Historic Parks, Countryside and Parks Conservation Group, Neaten and Natter, Friends of Princes Park, Proms and Fun Day volunteers, community gardeners and those who tend Johnson’s Willow play a huge part in the work that we do.
“This year, up until the end of November, volunteers have given 7,350 of their time which is astonishing. I’d also like to give a shout out to thank Lichfield Litter Legends and Burntwood Litter Heroes who do an amazing job helping to keep parks across Lichfield and Burntwood clean and tidy.”
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks and Waste, said:
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who work so hard to keep our district’s parks attractive and well maintained.
“On a wider scale, a special thank you and our appreciation also for the dedicated litter pickers that volunteer to keep the streets of Burntwood and the rural areas clean and tidy.
“We are fortunate to have so many dedicated volunteers and their support has helped Beacon Park win the Green Flag award and see it voted by visitors as one of the ten best parks in the UK – a brilliant achievement.”
William Henwood, Chair of The Friends of Lichfield Historic Parks, said:
“The Friends really enjoy playing their part in supporting Lichfield District Council’s work to maintain the area’s wonderful parks. It’s very rewarding, improves health and wellbeing and is also fun.”
Details of the volunteering opportunities available are online.