Volunteers
Across many local authorities, conservation work such as tree planting, hedge-laying and access improvements are popular.
Some areas have Volunteer Groups who can choose to just keep an eye on their chosen site, reporting back to the Rangers, or else get involved with organising and running events and helping with Nature Clubs. It's up to the volunteer just how much, or how little, they wish to be involved.
At present Solihull Park Rangers do not have their own volunteer groups however they do carry out 'Clear Up' days involving local people.
List of Voluntary Organisations
Birmingham and Solihull Midweek Conservation Volunteers
A multi-talented, varied group of mixed intellectual and racial origin, working in most parts of the West Midlands. Affiliated to the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers.
Contact: 0121 681 5588
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers
BTCV is the UK's largest practical conservation charity, working with volunteers and groups from all sections of the community to achieve conservation work and care for the local environment.
Email birmingham@btcv.org.uk
Contacts: Birmingham and Solihull 0121 681 5588 or 01926 430574
Butterfly Conservation
Local group of national charity for the conservation of butterflies and moths and their habitats, including site surveys, practical management and field trips.
Contact: 0121 744 3869 or 01564 776 459
http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/
Castle Browmwich Ramblers
Castle Bromwich Rambling Club is a group within the Ramblers' Association. Our catchment area for members is Castle Bromwich and surrounding districts. Our contact number is 07779 205183, our website address is http://www.castlebromwichramblers.btik.com/
Council for the Protection of Rural England, Warwickshire Branch
Aims to protect and improve the Warwickshire countryside and rural life. They defend the Green Belt, oppose urban sprawl and over development of the countryside.
Contact: Branch Office 01926 494 597
http://www.cprewarwickshire.org.uk/
Cycling Groups in Solihull
Cycling is an environmentally friendly form of transport and healthy too. Local groups include;
Cycle Touring Club Contact: 0121 745 3107
Solihull Cycling Club http://www.solihullcc.org.uk/ Contact: 0121 705 2668
Push Bikes Contact: http://www.cyclesolihull.org.uk/Pushbikes.htm 0121 632 6753
Shirley Roads Club Contact: 0121 744 8944
Cyclesolihull
http://www.cyclesolihull.org.uk/
Email: info@cyclesolihull.org.uk
Contact: 01564 779235
Friends of Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
Supports the continued restoration of these unique gardens with a wide variety of fund raising events. Volunteers always welcome. Monthly talks and other events held at Arden Hall.
Contact 0121 749 4100
c/o Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
Chester Road Castle Bromwich B36 9BT
Friends of the Working Boats, British Waterways
Assist on a former working canal boat and help ensure that they continue to work on the local canals. Learn the skills and work on events with the Friends of the Working Boats.
Contact: British Waterways 01564 784 634
Habitat Biodiversity Audit
See results of a two-year project to map the habitats in Warwickshire, Solihull and Coventry onto a computerised Geographic Information System.
Contact 01926 412 197
e-mail: iantanner@warwickshire.gov.uk
Wildlife Sites Project
Based with the Habitat Biodiversity Audit in Warwick this project aims to identify all important sites for nature in Solihull.
Contact 01926 412 197
e-mail: iantanner@warwickshire.gov.uk
Heart of England Organic Gardeners
An informal local group providing support and social contact for everyone interested in gardening and growing food organically and free from synthetic chemicals. It has a regular programme of social meetings and visits.
Contact: 01926 854 327
rps.gn.apc.org/organic
Hopwood Organic Farm
Soil Association registered organic farm in Catherine de Barnes selling a wide range of organic produce and operating a 'Box Scheme' home delivery service.
Contact: 0121 711 7787
e-mail: info@hopwoodorganic.co.uk
National Trust, Solihull Centre
Local members' group run by volunteers to raise funds in support of National Trust appeals, and encourage membership whilst enjoying a packed programme of social events, rambles, evening meetings, outings and fund raising events.
Contact: 0121 707 0644
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Project Kingfisher
Caring for and improving the Cole Valley for the benefit of people and wildlife. Rangers organise events including guided walks and childrens' activities. Free newsletter available.
Contact: 0121 464 3131
River Cole and Chinn Brook Conservation Group
Working in partnership with Birmingham City Council on the river south of the City. An active group with walks, talks and social events. Also conservation working days with Rangers.
Contact: 0121 777 6780
RSPB and Wildlife Explorers Group
The Solihull members' group of the RSPB has an annual programme of indoor meetings, field trips and social events. For younger members The Wildlife Explorers Group hold monthly indoor meetings and field trips from September to May.
Contact: RSPB 0121 707 3101
Wildlife Explorers Group 01564 775 878
Solihull Animal Aid
The Group works to educate the public to the facts about animal abuse while raising money for animal related causes.
Contact: 01564 776 984
Solihull Conservation Volunteers
SCV is a registered charity, carrying out practical conservation tasks at weekends to protect and restore wildlife habitats in and around the Solihull area.
Contact: 0121 705 6258
Solihull Friends of the Earth
An active group who run local and join national campaigns on environmental issues, including energy conservation, recycling and reducing packaging, with public displays and petitions.
Contact: 0121 643 7456
http://www.foe.co.uk/
Solihull National Trust Volunteers (NTV)
A group of young people who carry out practical and conservation work on National Trust Properties and Estates. Also have other social activities.
Contact: 0121 705 6706
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Ramblers Association - Solihull Group
Whether you are new to walking or an experienced rambler why not join the Solihull Ramblers and take in some lovely local scenery and get some exercise into the bargain.
Contact 0121 704 3174 for details
Solihull Spinners
Monthly cycle rides throughout the summer, suitable for all the family and all abilities. Organised by experienced members of local cycling groups.
Contact: 0121 704 8291 for more details
Warwickshire Geological Conservation Group
Practical conservation takes the form of clearance work on overgrown sites, removing regrowth and weathered rock; erecting interpretation boards. Volunteers are always welcome. Web site: http://www.wgcg.co.uk/
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
Caring for wildlife habitats throughout Warwickshire. The Solihull Area group hold natural history talks, fund raising events and workdays at their Clowes Wood reserve.
Contact: 'Solihull Area Group', 0121 705 1429
http://www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk/
For information on the following groups phone Trust Headquarters, 02476 302912
Warwickshire Bat group, Warwickshire Badger group, WATCH Junior branch, Dragonfly group, Geology group, Reptiles and Amphibians group.
West Midland Bird Club
Membership of the Club allows participation in the activities of Birmingham, Stafford, Tamworth and Solihull branches. The latter holds monthly indoor meetings October to April, with associated field trips.
Contact: 0121 605 4163
http://www.westmidlandbirdclub.com/
Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading charity dedicated solely to the protection of our native woodland heritage. We work with all potential supporters including local individuals, communities, businesses, trusts, authorities and the media with the aim of raising awareness, support and funds for the Woodland Trust.
Contact: 01564 777 409
http://www.woodland-trust.org.uk/
WWF Solihull Supporters Group
(Worldwide Fund for Nature)
A local group supporting the WWF in their campaigns in the UK and worldwide through numerous fundraising events.
Contact: 0121 745 6408
http://www.wwf.org/
Solihull Council's Tree Warden Scheme
The Tree Wardens work in partnership with the Council, BTCV and the Tree Council to gather information on trees, provide advice to local communities and encourage tree planting projects. You do not need to be an expert on trees, just have an enthusiasm for them and the environment.
Contact: 0121 704 6390
The Colebridge Trust
Together with Solihull Care Trust and Solihull Council, The Colebridge Trust are partners in The Colebridge Way, a new 10 mile walk linking the highlights of North Solihull and the neighbouring corners of Birmingham and Warwickshire.
Contact Details
For more information please contact your Park Ranger Service
Telephone: 0121 704 8472
Email: parkrangers@solihull.gov.uk