Achievements so far...
We've achieved a lot over the last 12 months since we first started out doing a Litter Pick along Scotland Lane in March 2o21 including becoming a constituted group in May of the same year. Take a look at what has kept us busy and what we have achieved in the process.
Became a constituted not-for-profit group
This means we have 4 committee members, a constitution to guide us, group insurance, and a group bank account enabling us to apply for grants.
Gathered all information on the reservoir area
From maps old and new, land registry details and deeds, to historical and environmental data - you name it we've got it!
Made links with key council departments.
From Parks, Waste Management, Highways, Kier and the Public Rights of Way Team, we've met with them all and know which patch belongs to each of them.
Made links with key organisations
From St Leonard's, Newman University and The Sailing Club, to St Michael's School, and Andrew Simpson Charity Watersports Centre we're all agreed we want more for the reservoir!
Removed historical fly-tipping from Bromwich Wood
With Ranger support from the Parks Team we undertook two big clean up events to remove historical fly-tippin remaining litter.
Created our own Woodland Management Group
Led by the Park Rangers and made up of local volunteers we have opened up entrances, created better lines of sight, and removed a lot of holly so people feel safer entering and exploring the woods. Runs from September-March.
Confirmed a legal circular footpath around the reservoir
Working with the Highways Authority we learnt there was a legal route through Severn Trent land made up of Public Rights of Way and Easements by Prescription. This includes an off-road pathway to the back of St Leonard's Church.
Secured the removal of obstructions to pathways
Following legal processes we have secured the removal of a wall at Bartley Crescent and a large iron gate at Genners Lane that were obstructing our Public Rights of Way. These changes will be completed in the next 6 months.
Created additional 'permissive pathway' entrances and routes.
Led by the Park Rangers and made up of local volunteers we have opened up entrances, created better lines of sight, and removed a lot of holly so people feel safer entering and exploring the woods.
Made the area more accessible for all
Working with the Highways Authority we learnt there was a legal route through Severn Trent land made up of Public Rights of Way and Easements by Prescription. This includes an off-road pathway to the back of St Leonard's Church.
Made the area more connected.
Following legal processes we have secured the removal of a wall at Bartley Crescent and a large iron gate at Genners Lane that were obstructing our Public Rights of Way. These changes will be completed in the next 6 months.
Attracted investment
We wanted to share everything we know about Bartley Reservoir and its heritage with the Bartley Green community so everyone can explore and enjoy. Look out for our 'residents' section coming soon.
Created this website!
We wanted to share everything we know about Bartley Reservoir and its heritage with the Bartley Green community so everyone can explore and enjoy. Look out for our 'residents' section coming soon.
Created our social media presence
Our media presence is important to let people know we're here, what we're about, and how they can get involved. We have our public Facebook Page and our private Volunteers and Members Page.
Created a pathway to membership
We want residents to feel part of a community as well as a cause, and so we have created a membership option to encourage regular volunteering and greater involvement. Membership includes greater say, voting rights, and a quarterly e-newsletter.
Resa-Rocks ; our painted pebbles project
These were placed all around the reservoir for people to find, and to also place their own creations for others to find. This is ongoing and anyone can take part.