Volunteer Hub
Volunteer Day: Gardening with The Friends of Godfrey Ermen Field - 27th November
Organisation Details
University of Manchester Volunteering & Awards Team
Activity type: Environment and Gardening
Description of role: Our story:
The field in Abbey Hey was purchased by Godfrey Ermen's trustees in 1928 and at the inauguration in 1931 Manchester's Lord mayor declared that they were for the use of local people as leisure facilities for ever and ever, "To enjoy themselves in healthy and innocent recreation." This civic tradition of providing green space for recreation to mitigate the physical and mental impact of intensively occupied urban communities continues to be relevant today.
As an open space for recreation and contemplation it provides a focus for collective identity that unites different generations, long-term residents and more recent arrivals. It is regularly used by walkers, cyclists and by children for play among other uses. Rich in flora and fauna the field now supplements the urban with an impression of the rural: badgers and foxes forage; dragonflies, bats and birds of many species all make their home there. Godfrey Ermen wanted his wealth to be used to enhance the lives of ordinary people.
Our group began life in May 2016 after threatened development over the years we came together and raised funds to apply for Village Green status which went to a Public Inquiry. We were lucky to be represented by a pro bono Barrister and the field was granted Village Green status in 2018.
Our group has a key role in the community through the health & wellbeing of individual, families and communties, improved connection across communities, and sustainability and improvement of the field.
To find out more and how to support,
visit our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofgodfreyermenfield/ [facebook.com]
Visit our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/friendsofgodfreyermenfield/ [instagram.com]
email our Committee to be added to the supporters mailing list: godfrey.ermen.field@gmail.com
Key Info for the day:
We will meet on campus at 9:30am to travel together.
We will be volunteering on the 27th November from 10:00am - 13:00pm
We will travel down together on the day together from campus, or if you want to you can meet us there:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C5qdaAKocba/?igsh=MTc1aDQ3OGR6NXdnaQ==
We will meet committee members on the field for a short tour showing the field and its biodiversity
Volunteer tasks for that day could include:
Planting flowers (for our planter entrances)
Tree planting
Painting our structures (benches, chairs)
Weeding and general maintenance
Drinks and refreshments will be provided, please wear sturdy footwear (no white clothes or shoes!)
The field in Abbey Hey was purchased by Godfrey Ermen's trustees in 1928 and at the inauguration in 1931 Manchester's Lord mayor declared that they were for the use of local people as leisure facilities for ever and ever, "To enjoy themselves in healthy and innocent recreation." This civic tradition of providing green space for recreation to mitigate the physical and mental impact of intensively occupied urban communities continues to be relevant today.
As an open space for recreation and contemplation it provides a focus for collective identity that unites different generations, long-term residents and more recent arrivals. It is regularly used by walkers, cyclists and by children for play among other uses. Rich in flora and fauna the field now supplements the urban with an impression of the rural: badgers and foxes forage; dragonflies, bats and birds of many species all make their home there. Godfrey Ermen wanted his wealth to be used to enhance the lives of ordinary people.
Our group began life in May 2016 after threatened development over the years we came together and raised funds to apply for Village Green status which went to a Public Inquiry. We were lucky to be represented by a pro bono Barrister and the field was granted Village Green status in 2018.
Our group has a key role in the community through the health & wellbeing of individual, families and communties, improved connection across communities, and sustainability and improvement of the field.
To find out more and how to support,
visit our facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofgodfreyermenfield/ [facebook.com]
Visit our instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/friendsofgodfreyermenfield/ [instagram.com]
email our Committee to be added to the supporters mailing list: godfrey.ermen.field@gmail.com
Key Info for the day:
We will meet on campus at 9:30am to travel together.
We will be volunteering on the 27th November from 10:00am - 13:00pm
We will travel down together on the day together from campus, or if you want to you can meet us there:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C5qdaAKocba/?igsh=MTc1aDQ3OGR6NXdnaQ==
We will meet committee members on the field for a short tour showing the field and its biodiversity
Volunteer tasks for that day could include:
Planting flowers (for our planter entrances)
Tree planting
Painting our structures (benches, chairs)
Weeding and general maintenance
Drinks and refreshments will be provided, please wear sturdy footwear (no white clothes or shoes!)
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Practical Skills
Are volunteer expenses available?: No
Duration of role: Fixed / Short term
Start date:
End date:
Opportunity times: Wednesday AM, Wednesday PM
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Minimum hours commitment: 3
Location:
Godfrey Ermen Field Manchester
Manchester
M18