Wild at Heart – Healthy Parks Programme
No need to book
Do you live in or near Aston, Newtown or Nechells ward and are you looking for a fun, rewarding way to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercise, meet new people and give back to your community? Check out the list of activities below:
You can bring the whole family and take part in our free nature-inspired Wild at Heart in the Park activities – suitable for all ages! Please note: children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Or get some exercise by joining a Community Clean and Green activity – litter picks, planting for pollinators, or creating wildlife-friendly areas, your time makes a difference to you and your environment.
Or join a Wild Walks with time to talk and spot wildlife and other points of interest as you connect with nature and exercise together around the park.
No experience needed – just enthusiasm! Wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. Check for cancellation in bad weather. Come along, get stuck in, and help make our parks better for both people and wildlife.
Email Lickey.hub@birmingham.gov.uk for more information.
Dates For Your Diary
Date: Friday 4 September.
Time: 11:30am.
Site/Location: Yellow Park. Entrance on the Porchester Street Car Park.
Event title: Clean and green.
Do you think your park could look better? Want to make a difference? Then join the Rangers to help make your park a better place.
Date: Tuesday 8 September.
Time: 11:30am.
Site/Location: Vauxhall Rd POS. Meet by the new notice board.
Event title: Clean and green.
Do you think your park could look better? Want to make a difference? Then join the Rangers to help make your park a better place.
Date: Thursday 17 September.
Time: 12:00pm.
Site/Location: Salford Reservoir. Meet at the notice board next to Power league Padel courts.
Event title: What’s that Duck?
Do you know your Tufted from your Mallards? Ever seen a Little Egret before? Join the Rangers for a walk and a bit of wildlife spotting and help record the wildfowl on Salford Reservoir.
Date: Friday 25 September.
Time: 11:30am.
Site/Location: Mount St Rec. Meet at Mount St entrance near the play area.
Event title: Lift and clear.
Do you think your park could look better? Want to make a difference? Then join the Rangers to help make your park a better place as we continue our work on the fence line along the canal.
Date: Wednesday 30 September.
Time: 11:30am.
Site/Location: Georges Park. Meet at the notice board by the play area.
Event title: Branching out.
Do you think your park could look better? Want to make a difference? Then join the Rangers to help make your park a better place as we continue our work on the edge of the small woodland area.
Birmingham Ranger Service
Wild at Heart Programme
Burbury Park Family Activities Blog
See what happens when people and nature connect, read the: Burbury Park Wild at Heart Blog
Birmingham Ranger Service
Birmingham’s Park Ranger Service cares for the city’s parks, countryside and nature reserves while helping people connect with nature through events, activities, volunteering and support for community groups.
Like all Council services, the Ranger Service has had to adapt in response to the significant financial challenges facing Birmingham City Council. As part of the Council’s transformation programme, vacant Ranger posts were removed and the service was reshaped to operate within the resources available. The remaining Rangers continue to carry out statutory health and safety inspections across Birmingham’s parks and green spaces while delivering a targeted programme of community engagement and nature-based activities.
Today, much of the Ranger Service’s community work is focused on areas where it can have the greatest impact on reducing environmental inequalities, supporting the ambitions of Birmingham’s 25-Year City of Nature Plan, approved by Cabinet in February 2022. This includes work across 46 parks and green spaces within the wards of Bordesley & Highgate, Balsall Heath West, Nechells, Gravelly Hill, Pype Hayes and Castle Vale.
A significant proportion of this work is delivered through Wild at Heart, a programme funded by Birmingham City Council Public Health. The programme is delivered through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Public Health and the Ranger Service and has clear outcomes focused on improving health and wellbeing through nature. Activities include opportunities that encourage physical activity, improve mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation and help people build lasting connections with their local green spaces.
The current focus on targeted delivery means that the Ranger Service is no longer able to provide the same level of direct support to every Friends group and community organisation across the city as it has in the past. While Rangers continue to offer advice and guidance wherever possible, the reduced workforce means resources are concentrated where they can deliver the greatest benefit and help address long-standing environmental and health inequalities.
This does not mean the wider city is left behind. The Ranger Service continues to work alongside the City of Nature Alliance and many other partners to share knowledge, coordinate activity and encourage volunteering, participation and care for Birmingham’s green spaces. Local Friends groups remain an essential part of caring for parks across the city, supported by the wider Parks and Green Spaces service wherever possible.
Why Rangers matter
Park Rangers provide something that cannot easily be replaced. They combine practical land management with trusted community relationships, local knowledge and expertise in nature engagement. By working alongside residents, volunteers, schools, community organisations and health partners, Rangers help people build confidence to use and care for their local green spaces. This preventative, community-based approach supports healthier lifestyles, stronger communities and more resilient parks while helping maximise the value of Birmingham’s investment in its natural environment.
The Ranger Service is based at three countryside sites where visitors can enjoy Birmingham’s natural landscapes, learn more about local wildlife and speak to Rangers for advice about parks and green spaces:
Together, these sites continue to provide opportunities for people of all ages to experience nature, improve their health and wellbeing, and become active stewards of Birmingham’s green spaces.
Connecting with Nature
There are also lots of ways you can enjoy connecting to nature and enjoying Birmingham’s parks and open spaces, here are a few ideas.
Making Mud Animals
In our first video Holly who was based at the Lickey Hills shows you how to make mud animals.
Meeting An Oak Tree
In our second video Ranger Service Manager Steve who is based at the Lickey Hills shows you how to make the most of meeting a tree.
Bug Hunting
In our third video which is from Ex-Ranger Debbie who works from home as Community Facilitator for the FPA project and loves her garden. She shows you how to make the most of a sunny spring day bug hunting in your garden or local park
Nest Box Making
In our fourth video which is from Ex-Ranger Simon who now works as an ecologist for Birmingham City Council. He shows you how to make a selection of nest boxes for your garden and think about what birds you may see or hear in your local park. For more information about making nest boxes and where to put them visit: https://www.nestboxweek.com/
Naturally Birmingham CIC 