CONSERVATION & ECOLOGY
Viv and three trustees interviewed me for the job. I always thought I’d make a decent head
”
greenkeeper and saw how I could bring greater efficiency to Warley Woods’ course management
and the park, whilst also adapting to the requirements and practices of a public park environment.
As Viv states: “We don’t know what we
don’t know and that applies to us all. The greenkeepers are learning the other side of land management. Alan was unaware of the bird nesting season at first, but his experience since has broadened his knowledge base.” In turn, the Trust appointed Viv Charity Manager in 2006, drawing on her experience in marketing, community engagement and environmental management. After introducing a host of improvements,
Warley Woods started vying for honours under the then-new Green Flag national initiative. “We learnt what was required to be eligible for entry,” Viv explains, “growing our skills base.” Accolades for innovation brought a requirement for a new skills set, she recalls. “In winning a Green Flag Award, volunteers had to learn about the whole range of parks management, marketing and environmental knowledge - even extending
to being able to fold and hoist a flag, like the green one we are proud to display so that visitors know the quality of the environment they enjoy.”
“Every other year we are mystery shopped by a Green Flag judge and that keeps us on our toes to continue to excel,” she adds. People’s Choice national ratings for park popularity also testify to the strength of public backing Warley Woods commands. “We can mobilise a big vote when we need to, thanks to a catchment that includes many long-term residents as well as short-term renters - our 5,000 Facebook following helps too.”
Community parks differ markedly from traditional ones, Viv stresses, and to keep her hand in with her peers, who run them elsewhere in the region, she meets the Midlands Parks Forum online to share knowledge and “aid my personal development”.
Delivering that mix of specialties for its sport and leisure facilities is one of the factors that sets Warley Woods apart from other community parks, Viv believes.
Such interdisciplinary know-how helps the park plan and execute the long-term improvement programme that is securing its future. In a parallel with private golf club committees, the board of trustees, all local residents, includes members from a spread of professions. “One is a town planner, another a retired social worker, and a third an engineer,” notes Viv.
A strong communications network fosters unity of purpose. Viv is in constant contact with her staff - the two full-time cleaners, a part-time administrator, the five Pavilion shop staff and three full-time grounds professionals.
Lockdown lament
“Parks are on the frontline of the pandemic and the public is realising how valuable they are as community spaces. But easing lockdown landed Warley Woods with an unwanted aftermath. Volunteers had to remove mountains of rubbish and also had to deal with some antisocial behaviour,” Viv reports. Cannon Hill Park in Moseley was forced to call the fire brigade to help clear litter.
But easing lockdown landed Warley Woods with an unwanted
”
aftermath. Volunteers had to remove mountains of rubbish and also had to deal with some antisocial behaviour
PC August/September 2020 31
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