VOLUNTEERS have been thanked for their work in local parks and green spaces.
Lichfield District Council hosted an event in Beacon Park to celebrate the efforts of those who give up their time.
More than 8,347 hours of volunteering have been clocked up so far – up 1,000 since the same point in 2024.
Cllr Phil Whitehouse, cabinet member for operational services, parks and waste, said:
“The passion and dedication of our volunteers helps keep our parks beautiful, welcoming and full of life.
“They support everything from conservation work and planting to litter picking, wildlife surveys and event preparation – and the impact they make is felt by residents and visitors every single day.”
Work has taken place at sites including Princes Park, Burntwood Park, Beacon Park, Stowe Pool and Fields, the National Memorial Arboretum, the six Tiny Forests and Festival.
Volunteer Paul Holt, from Lichfield, said:
“I want to give something back to the community because I love Lichfield.”
For information on volunteering opportunities visit the Lichfield District Council website.
Cllr Phil Whitehouse can be commended for applauding the voluntary input that contributes to the care of the public realm within Lichfield District.
His support to date seems to focus predominately on the input that there has been to the District’s urban localities and facilities that have a regional prominence. However, it would be even more encouraging if he was to acknowledge that the District’s rural communities also benefit from significant voluntary input.
There are localities to the eastern fringe of the District that repeatedly perceive blind spots in District Councillors’ attitudes and a recognition of this would be welcomed.
Perhaps this myopia extends back to the days before Lichfield Rural District was added when Local Government Reorganisation last occurred in the mid 1970s ?