West Midlands Federation of Womens Institute

Craig Wood, People and Wildlife Service Manager from the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country launched the above project at the Annual Council Meeting last year.

The Federation has been asked to maintain a piece of ground known as the Permaculture Garden, for this year.

The garden consists of two pieces of ground for cultivation, several fruit trees, apple, pear, fig and soft fruit, a greenhouse, pond, path and seating area.

The Eco Park is open every Monday(except Bank-Holidays) 10.30 to 4pm. Members can spend as long or as short a time at the centre as they wish. Members are encouraged to represent their Institute on one or more Mondays during the coming months to help maintain the garden.

Tools are provided or you can take your own, there is a rest room/refreshment area so take your own lunch, tea/ coffee is provided. Wear Wellingtons or gardening shoes. There is a toilet block on site.

Eco Park History

The site of the park was originally tennis courts! It later became allotments  and then an organic vegetable project. The aim of TheWildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country was to develop the site but it became clear that there was a much greater need for a local resource for enviromental and educational purposes. The Eco Park was opened in 1997 by Chris Baines, TV wildlife gardener. The area in the park includes a bluebell wood, wildflower garden, orchard, pond containing wildlife, grassland, reedbeds demonstration area and the permaculture garden.

By participating in this project you will be helping to support  the local community which is one of the aims of the Women’s  Institute.

By working together we can improve this garden and make a difference for the bennifit of others.

Birmingham Eco Park, 258a Hob Moor Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, B10 9HH.

Buses nos 15 and 17 stop near to the entrance.

For more information contact Jackie Gregory 01564-742761