All this week, we’re celebrating Love Parks Week 2026 (24th July-2nd August) – an annual campaign from Keep Britain Tidy to celebrate parks and green spaces, the people who care for them and their many benefits.

We caught up with Tessa Mitchell, Chair of the Friends of Manor Farm Park, to find out about the great work they do.

Tell us a little bit about the Friends of Manor Farm Park?

Manor Farm Park, on the borders of Selly Oak, Weoley and Northfield was gifted to the City of Birmingham by the Cadbury family and was the grounds of George and Elizabeth Cadburys family home. It is steeped in history and has a wide variety of habitats including meadows, woods and a large lake. Despite its heritage many people do not know it exists as its hidden away behind the treeline opposite the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital on the A38 Bristol Road. The Friends were formed in 1985 and are one of the oldest such groups in Birmingham. We have just celebrated our 40th anniversary and are a self-funding, constituted group of park users and local residents, all volunteers, comprising a management committee and individual members. We work closely with the city council and others to improve and enhance the parks environment and amenities including:

• Wildlife and environmental conservation and information
• Safety and security
• General maintenance and litter picking
• Footpaths and access points
• Play areas / seating and other amenities
• Information regarding the park’s history
• Notice and information boards

And we do this by:

• Liaising with the City Council, Councils, MPs and others regarding developments / issues of concern in the park.
• Promoting the involvement of the local community in undertaking activities in the park.
• Organising education / recreational activities such as The Bat Walk, Heritage Event and Lark In The Park (LiTP).
• Informing local people about proposed projects and park related matters.
• Fundraising to support the park and the work of the Friends.

What’s your favourite thing about Manor Farm Park?

The variety of habitat and the wildlife we have there are probably my favourite things. From the trees, old and new, we have some magnificent senior trees and newer ones including our Millennial orchard and beautiful plants (the spring bluebells, snowdrops and daffodils are stunning) to the birds, insects and other animals that call the park their home. To have such biodiversity four miles from the city centre is incredible. The park also brings together people of all ages, whether they are walking, exercising, enjoying nature, or taking part in local activities. We have the ROAM project in the park every Thursday who provide free outdoor play sessions which is a great way to meet other local families. For more information on their activities, email play@roam.org.uk. Manor Farm Park is an incredibly valuable green space at the heart of the community and provides an opportunity for residents to connect with both nature and each other.

What are the biggest challenges the Friends of Manor Farm Park face?

Like many volunteer groups, our biggest challenges are attracting new volunteers, securing funding for improvements and ensuring the park remains well maintained and protected for future generations. We are always looking for new people who can offer their time, ideas, and enthusiasm to help us continue making a positive difference. However, our most pressing concern currently relates to the Environment Agency who have plans which could change the park forever. We are working collaboratively with them and Birmingham City Council to find a more acceptable solution to achieve their stated objectives. The park can play a part in reducing flooding in the city but this needs to be in keeping with the landscape and the legacy that preserved this area for future generations to enjoy.

How can I get involved in the Friends of Manor Farm Park?

Getting involved is easy. You can attend our regular volunteer sessions, support our community events, share ideas for improvements or help promote our activities locally. Whether you can give a few hours occasionally or become a regular volunteer, every contribution is appreciated and helps strengthen the park and the community. Becoming a member of The Friends is a great way to show your support. Whether you want to join the Committee or offer other support such as graphic design for our posters and banners, support with updating various social media / our website information, fund-raising, or helping organise our events and activities, we greatly appreciate it. Membership is £5 a year per person, for more information please contact us.

What events and activities are coming up that I can join in with?

We have a range of events during the year including an annual fun day and my two favourites: the Dawn Chorus in May and the Bat Walk, which this year is taking place on the 18th September. We are also taking part in this year Bournville Heritage event on Saturday 12th September. Pop down and see us! We have regular volunteer sessions at the weekends and it is lovely to see old and new members continue to make a real difference to the park. Recent sessions have included:

• Waterside Care – 8 volunteers collected 7 bags of rubbish plus a TV monitor and circuit board! 24 gas cannisters were also found which we put in clear bags to aid appropriate disposal.
• Conservation Day – 11 volunteers came along and helped collect 6 bags of rubbish, cleared the path at the lower end of the Millenium Orchard and undertook some much-needed Himalayan Balsam bashing.

To find out more about the Friends of Manor Farm Park, go to www.friendsofmanorfarmpark.org.uk