Welcome
Birmingham Open Spaces Forum (BOSF) is a volunteer-led network that has been connecting and supporting the people who care for our city’s open spaces since 2005, whether that open space be a park, a community garden, an allotment site or a piece of land which has significance for you and your neighbours. We help volunteers make a lasting impact – bringing communities together, improving open spaces, and ensuring they thrive for generations to come.
Pride in Place Impact Fund is now open
The £1.65m Pride in Place Impact Fund is now open for applications! This is a fantastic opportunity for local groups to improve community spaces, from parks and play areas to community buildings and more. Who can apply?Community groups, charities, social enterprises, local businesses, and resident associations. Funding available: Application deadline: Sunday 1st February 2026 Explore […]
Join BOSF as our next Operations Director
As we look ahead to an important new chapter for Birmingham Open Spaces Forum, we’re sharing an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of our work. Our current Operations Director will be retiring next year, and we are now looking for someone to carry forward the vision, energy and community spirit that drives BOSF. […]
Grow Wild – Funding Opportunity: £2,000 to Green Your Urban Space!
Calling all Birmingham community groups! Grow Wild (Kew Gardens) is looking for projects to support. This is more than just a grant: £2k for your project, online support sessions and national networking opportunities. There are only 23 spots available nationwide, so it’s competitive! Let’s make sure Birmingham is represented. The deadline to apply is Wednesday 4th Feb […]
Friends of Balaam’s Wood – Bringing a Tree Trail to Life
As part of our mission to support and celebrate Birmingham’s parks & open spaces volunteer groups, we’re sharing stories of projects that have made a real difference to local communities. This case study highlights the Friends of Balaam’s Wood, who turned a long-held idea into reality thanks to the help of a University student placement. […]
Birmingham Open Spaces Forum awarded National Lottery funding
We’re celebrating a major new funding award from the National Lottery Community Fund’s Reaching Communities programme! This three-year grant will support our core work across Birmingham and help us launch a brand new programme focused on supporting communities in Nechells, Balsall Heath, and Bordesley & Highgate – three wards that experience some of the city’s highest inequalities in access […]
Today, we support over 140 member groups, that we refer to as Friends groups – ranging from well-established organisations to just two people and a dog! Whether you are considering starting a parks & open spaces volunteer group, or are an existing member looking to strengthening your group – we are here to help!
When BOSF was founded, our research showed that open spaces with an active volunteer group received, on average, an extra £35,000 a year in funding and the equivalent of 1.5 full-time staff in volunteer hours. That’s the power of community action!
Start a volunteer Friends group for your local open space
Friends groups bring people together to care for, improve, and celebrate their local open spaces. They’re made up of local volunteers who share a passion for parks, woodlands, playing fields, or pocket greens.
Whether it’s organising community events, planting flowers and trees, applying for funding, or simply keeping the space clean and welcoming, starting a Friends group is a powerful way to make a lasting difference where you live. It’s also a great way to meet neighbours, learn new skills, and build a stronger sense of community!
Find Your Local Volunteer Group in Birmingham
Want to make a difference?
Find a Friends group near you and get involved in caring for your local park or open space. Our interactive map lets you explore groups across Birmingham! Everyone’s welcome – individuals, families, and groups. Businesses can get involved too – we also connect corporate teams with volunteer groups for rewarding, hands-on days.
Tools & Resources for our Members
Your digital toolbox!
If you are one of our members wanting to strengthen and develop your group, this section has everything you need. Find practical guides, key templates like our adaptable Model Constitution, and useful resources to help you organise, fund, and grow your group.
Our Projects
Creating greener, stronger communities!
We lead and support volunteer-powered projects that strengthen community groups, amplify local voices, and bring new ideas to life across Birmingham. As an independent network, we collaborate with Birmingham City Council and other partners to help communities protect, improve, and make the most of their open spaces – now and for the future!
Birmingham Stories – Our Green City
Celebrate the people who make Birmingham’s parks & open spaces flourish in this short film by Sima Gonsai. Volunteers share their connections to these green spaces and their commitment to protecting them for future generations.
Latest News:
From inspiring case studies to exciting project updates and community-led success stories, our News section showcases the amazing work happening across Birmingham’s parks and open spaces. Whether you’re part of a Friends group, a new volunteer, or just love hearing how people are making a difference in their local green spaces, you’ll find plenty to explore.
