Celebrating the Friends of Pitts Wood: Reviving an Ancient Woodland

Pitts Wood is a remnant of ancient oak woodland in Quinton,  originally spanning eight acres in 1820, this nearly two-acre green space is now surrounded by urban development. Despite its rich history, Pitts Wood faced neglect after becoming part of an Academy Trust with Woodhouse School in 2013. But thanks to the dedication and passion of the Friends of Pitts Wood volunteer group, this important site is making a comeback.

In 2019, the Friends of Pitts Wood group was re-established at the request of the local Ward Committee, Councillors, and community members, with the cooperation of the Head of Woodhouse School. Since then, the volunteer group has been working to restore the woodland, improve its ecology, and turn it back into a thriving space for the community to enjoy.

Key Achievements Led by Volunteers

Restoring and Enhancing Biodiversity

• The Friends group secured a grant in 2022 for projects focused on the two watercourses within the woodland. Despite losing funding in 2023, their work brought attention to the ecological importance of these features.
• A successful £24,000 grant from the West Midlands Combined Authority and Heart of England Community Foundation, in partnership with the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, enabled several significant improvements:
  • Construction of a pond with a platform, steps, and a bridge over one of the watercourses.
  • Installation of a boardwalk across a bog area, which was planted with native wetland species.
  • New bridges opened up previously inaccessible areas, allowing safe exploration through the woodland.
  • Clearing of dense holly to create space for native plants, such as English bluebells, ferns, and snowdrops.
  • Laying of the entrance hedge, which will be further enhanced by planting additional tree whips from the Woodland Trust this autumn.

Addressing Challenges and Improving Facilities

• After a polytunnel was vandalized in May 2023, the Friends group collaborated with local police, leading to a day of labor from officers and a grant that helped restore the area. Through additional fundraising, they replaced the polytunnel with a new wooden shelter, providing a sturdy, communal space for volunteers and visitors.

Community Involvement

The Friends of Pitts Wood is more than just a volunteer group: it’s a community-led initiative that sees the woodland as a valuable asset for Quinton. Their vision is to make Pitts Wood a place where both adults and children can reconnect with nature.

Schools and nursery groups regularly bring children to explore the woodland, helping them learn about ecology and conservation. For adults, Pitts Wood offers a peaceful environment to unwind and engage in hands-on conservation work. The group’s dedication has seen volunteer numbers steadily increase, but they’re always looking for more people to join their efforts, whether on the ground or as part of their Management Group.

Advocating for the Future The Friends group believes that transferring ownership of Pitts Wood from the Academy Trust back to the Local Authority would secure a more stable future for the site. This change would allow for more consistent care, planning, and community involvement. They are actively working toward this goal to ensure Pitts Wood remains a cherished green space for generations to come.

Get Involved

The Friends of Pitts Wood volunteers meet every other weekend, working on projects ranging from habitat restoration to trail maintenance. They are currently looking to learn more about traditional woodland practices, such as coppicing, to continue their conservation efforts.

If you’re passionate about preserving local green spaces, consider joining the Friends of Pitts Wood. Whether you have a green thumb, want to learn new skills, or simply love being in nature, there’s a place for you in this welcoming and proactive community group.

For more information or to get involved, please contact: [email protected]

Posted on 21st October 2024