Volunteers at Stanmore Country Park recently celebrated their 11th anniversary and 7th Green Flag Community Award. Friends of Stanmore Country Park (FoS) are a friendly and enthusiastic group who meet regularly to conserve, support and promote a special corner of Shropshire.
Stanmore Country Park extends across 40 ha on the former RAF Bridgnorth site. Since 2013, the park has been managed by Shropshire Council in partnership with FoS. The park is a mixed mosaic of woodland, open grassland areas and small ponds, which provide numerous habitats for a range of wildlife including small mammals, reptiles, insects and a variety of birds, including raptors.
We’ve achieved so much since 2013, said volunteer Karen, including sowing and maintaining wild flower areas, planting community orchards, native poplar trees and disease-resistant elms, clearing of selected spaces allowing trees more room to grow and letting more light in at ground level, installing bird and bat boxes, maintaining paths fences, stiles and benches, creation of a flower garden and planting native rambling roses for HM Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. All of our work is undertaken with guidance from Shropshire Council rangers and according to an established ecological plan to encourage greater biodiversity.
In addition, the talented green woodworker, Anthony Hammond, has created a gorgeous trail of sculptures carved using wood from the park, including a representation of a Hawker Hurricane designed for children to play on and a King Charles III Coronation Throne.
We’ve been grateful to receive generous grants from several organisations including Severn Trent Water, Veolia, the Co-op, Tesco and Worfield and Rudge Parish Council. Whilst grants are essential and very welcome, we always need more help during our two volunteer days per month, always the second Friday and then a Saturday or Sunday towards the end of the month. There’s no pressure as to how long you spend, one hour or many, it’s completely up to you.
Our volunteers come for many reasons: “I walk my dog there every day and it means a lot to help look after this beautiful green space”; “I volunteer to protect this space today so the next generation can enjoy it tomorrow”; “It’s an opportunity to spend time in nature and do some exercise (in a really pleasurable way) There’s also a lovely sense of purpose from giving back”; “I volunteer to support the local community, improve biodiversity and protect the park for future generations. This is just one small way we can all tackle the perceived impacts of climate change.” “I volunteer to make sure our community has a place where wildlife and people can both thrive”; I enjoy learning from the rangers and other volunteers and chatting to visitors to the Park. So many great benefits for my physical and mental health”.
This winter season, we will be focusing on tree management to create further glades on the Hobbins side of the park, as well as bulb planting. A full list of dates can be found on the notice boards at each of the park entrances. Further details can be provided by Guy the ranger on 01746 781192 or check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofstanmorecountryparkshropshire and website https://www.stanmorecountrypark.co.uk
We meet in the car park at 10 am and we’re looking forward to welcoming you!