News
Birmingham’s parks and open spaces are full of energy, creativity, and community spirit – and our members are at the heart of it all. In this section, we shine a light on the people and projects making a real difference, from local clean-up heroes to large-scale community transformations. Whether you’re looking to learn, connect, or just feel inspired, this is the place to see what’s possible when communities come together to care for green spaces.
The Green Heart of Birmingham: short-film
From urban woodlands to community gardens, volunteers share their personal connections to these vital green spaces and their commitment to protecting them for future generations. Produced in collaboration with Birmingham Open Spaces Forum to celebrate over 20 years of community-led conservation.
A Story of Growing Roots: From Cologne to Handsworth Park
A beautiful reflection by Natascha Rohde on the transformative power of volunteering, the call of the parakeets, and finding a sense of home in Handsworth Park with her local Friends group.
Autumn Exploration in Sutton Park
Our Autumn Exploration Walk at Sutton Park turned out to be a fantastic morning, and if you weren’t able to join us, here’s a look at what you missed. From autumn colours to fascinating insights from the Rangers, it was a really special event.
A Celebration of Food Growing, Culture & Community at Coplow Street Grow Site
Hosted by the fantastic volunteers of the North Summerfield Residents Association, this week’s gathering at Coplow Street Grow Site was a true celebration of food, community and locally grown produce. Take a look at what made it such a special afternoon.
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!
BOSF logged volunteer hours, April 2024 – March 2025
We are full of gratitude as we reflect on the incredible impact our member groups have made on Birmingham’s parks and open spaces over the past year!
Our parks & open spaces volunteering figures for April 2024 – March 2025 are in!
An amazing 106,410 hours were logged, worth £1,340,766 (based on the Real Living Wage of £12.60/hr).
A huge shout-out to all the volunteers in Birmingham – your efforts are making a real difference!
