It is a group of interested local people who come together to improve the appearance, facilities, conservation value and safety of their local park.
The group can be involved in:
- Fundraising for improvements and events in parks
- Making sure the community's voice is heard in the management of the park.
- Practical tasks like litter picking and tree planting.
- Park patrols
- Helping in the management of the park
- Leading walks, talks and events.
This group needs to be a dedicated group of people who are able to carry out the work needed to achieve the goals, aims and objectives of the membership.
Developing a friends group
If you would like to start a friends group you will need to create a constitution.
Framework
The framework for this will be as follows:
- Give the group a name
- Identify the physical boundary of the green space concerned
- Identify the aims, objectives and methods for achieving those aims
- Powers
- Setting up a bank account.
- Regular meetings and communicating the progress of the meetings,
- Carrying out general service improvements and practical tasks
- Fundraising for projects
- Holding events in the park
- Membership - identify the dynamic for the group and identify if there will be different classifications of membership. For example, subscriptions, joining fees etc.
- Management Committee - definition of committee structure, member roles. Election and resignation processes. Terms of office for the various posts.
Be sure to include a statement of equal opportunities irrespective of race, gender, age, religion, physical and mental ability.
Arrangements for meetings
- Location and frequency.
- Remember there will be committee meetings, general meetings and annual general meetings.
- There will need to be clear identification of the decision making process at the meetings.
- Ensure there is a written agenda to keep people to the point.
- Make sure notes are taken of the meeting with action points and a distribution list for copies to be sent to relevant people.
Finances
For the bank account there will need to be two unrelated members to be signatories for the group. It is usual for one of these to be the group's treasurer
Dissolution of the group
There needs to be a procedure for dissolving the group including informing the Charities Commission (if applicable), the managing authority and closure of accounts
Identify the committee
To be elected by the wider membership (usually around 20 members).
Four core committee members are:
- The Chairperson - This member acts as the leader of the group. This person is often the main link with the Local Authority. They also ensure the smooth running of the committee.
- Vice-Chairperson - acts to support the Chairperson's role
- Secretary - This member ensures all group members are kept informed of progress and future initiatives of the group. They also write agendas for meeting and take minutes.
- Treasurer - This member takes care of the financial affairs of the group.
Insurance
If your group intends to carry out practical tasks then you will need insurance - public liability insurance (to cover accidents to the public on site) - personal accident insurance (to cover volunteers working on site).
Find out more details by visiting The Conservation Trust website [https://www.tcv.org.uk/].
Charitable Trust status
If you wish to raise money then you may wish to apply for charitable trust status. This will enable the group to access a far greater range of funding. The group will need to publish annual accounts and reports to support any application.
Find out more by visiting the Charity Commission website [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission].
Working in partnership with the land manager
The majority of open green space in Coventry is managed by the Council. It's important that the ideas and goals of the friends group work in partnership with the existing Park Strategy or Park Management Plan. This will make sure the group's objectives are achievable and do not conflict with the aims of the Local Authority to ensure a strong partnership approach to managing the park and helping the friends group to be successful.
Friends constitution
As a Friends of Parks Group you will need a constitution. This will outline your aims, methods and responsibilities. This is a legal requirement to protect yourselves and members.
A sample constitution [/downloads/file/1220/sample_friends_of_parks_constitution] is provided. Please print out a copy, discuss and agree with your membership and then fill in the details.
Want to get involved with your local park? Why not join your local "Friends of Park" Group?
War Memorial Park
The Friends of War Memorial Park group [http://www.fwmpcoventry.org.uk/] was established in April 2006 to discuss issues relating to the War Memorial Park in Coventry.
The group has a Friends of War Memorial Park page on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/friendsofthewarmemorialparkcoventry?fref=ts] set up by a member of the public. Please note that Coventry City Council is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Spencer Park [http://www.friendsofspencerpark.org/]
The Friends of Spencer Park is the name for a group of local residents who are co-operating to improve Spencer Park and Recreation Ground. Located on the North and South sides of Spencer Road in Earlsdon, Coventry, these areas provide green space and recreational facilities for all age groups.
Allesley Park
The Allesley Park Walled Garden Group was formed in early 1997.
The Walled Garden Group continues to upgrade the quality of the garden itself, continuing to grow without chemicals. The garden is also used to develop a series of projects with local schools and Ryton Organic.
Gosford Park [https://gprasite.wordpress.com/]
The Gosford Park Residents' Association (GPRA) has been in existence since 1982. A lively and busy organisation who are passionate about making their area nicer, cleaner, safer, and generally, a GREAT place to live.
Please note that Coventry City Council is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Stoke Green [https://www.facebook.com/StokeParkResidentsGroup?fref=nf]
Stoke Park Residents Group represent the local residents of the area including Stoke Green Park.
Prior Deram Park and Parkwood Meadows [https://www.facebook.com/CanleyGreenSpaces]
The Friends Of Canley Green Spaces organises activities to enable volunteers to improve the natural green spaces that surround Canley.
- You can also check out the Flickr [https://www.flickr.com/photos/canley-green-spaces/] page for pictures of these parks.
Lake View Park [https://www.facebook.com/LakeViewParkCoventry]
Lake View Park is a large, grassed wildlife conservation area in Coventry, through which the river Sherbourne runs. Loved by dog walkers and locals alike, and this Friends of Lake View Park are passionate about making it a place for everyone to enjoy.
Spencer Park [http://www.friendsofspencerpark.org/]
The Friends of Spencer Park is the name for a group of local residents who are cooperating to improve the amenities of Spencer Park and Recreation Ground.
Friends of Spencer Park was constituted as a voluntary organisation in 2012, dedicated to the maintenance and improvement of these historic areas. An essential part of the remit of the group is to engage in public consultation over any plans made to maintain or improve the area.
Charterhouse Fields [http://coventrycharterhouseassociation.org.uk/]
The Coventry Charterhouse Association mission is to support the Preservation of the Charterhouse, Charterhouse Priory, the Estate and the Charterhouse Fields.
Longford Park
Friends of Longford Park began as a group of enthusiasts from the Longford CAN group in 2003. The enthusiastic volunteers began by organising (jointly with the council) two big events in the park to attract local residents and publicise the park as a wonderful community space. The events were the highly successful Longford Fayre and the firework night display. These events ran for many years and attracted hundreds of visitors to the park. The Longford Fayre committee became the Friends of Longford Park and joined the council in improving the park by feeding into consultations on facilities, volunteering on the ground and by applying for external funding. The group is still active today and always welcomes new volunteers. They promote participation and enthusiasm from young people and have been instrumental in attracting the Magic Mile and Awards for the Park.
Sowe Valley [https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Sowe-Valley-132893750072998/]
Friends of Sowe Valley aim to care for and enhance the River Sowe corridor, looking after both the river and surrounding green spaces for both wildlife and people.
Nauls Mill Park [https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Nauls-Mill-Park-1197007796998920/]
Naul's Mill Park is an important green space in the heart of Coventry's inner city. With impressive historical roots dating back to the 12th Century, Friends Of Naul's Mill Park are committed to respecting, nurturing and celebrating this beautiful green space.
Moat House Park
Meet and socialise with people who are interested in preserving and protecting the park. The group also get involved in gardening and growing.