About the Friends
This page of the Friends of Birkenhead Park website aims to tell you something about how we were formed, what we do and who we are. The Friends of Birkenhead Park was formed in 1976 by Lord (Griff) Evans of Claughton, as he perceived the need for someone to speak for the interests of the Park, which he clearly saw as part of our national heritage. At that time some of the buildings on the Park perimeter were derelict though shortly after this, the Park became a Conservation Area and the "Friends" became its official consultative body. However, the process of change is not without controversy. The Friends have the obligation to give their views on planning applications for new buildings and on modifications of uses and structures, and the challenge remains to protect the quality of the Park and its surroundings. Over the years successive chairmen have taken on the responsibility to ensure this is done in a constructive and fair minded way, consistent with the Friends' motto "That which is good should be preserved".
Education outreach at Birkenhead Park
The Education Outreach Programme has been running since April 2007. It was initially managed by Karen Tucker. Under her leadership a menu of education tours and workshops were developed and run with local schools. A total of over 5500 school pupils from all phases of education visited the park in order to enhance their education opportunities and to learn outside the classroom. These pupils came from 31 different primary schools and 5 secondary schools. Birkenhead Sixth Form College and Wirral Metropolitan College use of the Park for enrichment activities and conservation work.
The menu of educational activities includes:
• Seasonal activities for Christmas and Easter • Autumn walks • History and Geography tours of the Park • Birkenhead Park and the Victorians • Victorian Play workshops• Birkenhead Park in World War 2 • Orienteering • Climate and microclimate studies • Science and nature tours • Habitats• Mini-beasts • Pond Dipping
The Park has been used as a venue for sports days for special schools and as the basis for transition and bridging projects between secondary schools and feeder primaries.
Karen has left the project to take up a new appointment as a teacher. The Park Rangers have continued to provide these elements of the outreach programme until a new appointment was made.
Hugh Wareing has now been appointed as Education Outreach Officer and will be continuing with the education menu started by Karen and to develop new activities to build on and extend the range of activities and the number of schools (especially secondary schools and sixth forms) and colleges that make use of the Park as an educational resource
Community Projects Officer
The role of the Community Projects Officer is to develop opportunities, activities and links for the local community to participate in.
Over the last 2 years there has been a “Postcards of the Park” exhibition, school holiday activities, new groups holding events in the park such as the local Children's Centres, Get Hooked on Fishing and the Flower and Vegetable Show.
School holiday activities have included rocket and kite making, pond dipping, raft building, fishing, bowls and mini golf.
The adults have also had opportunities to participate in activities such as Pedalling Picnics – a guided, leisurely ride around the park with the family, Health On Wheels – an opportunity for those new to riding a bike or needing more confidence to ride in safety with a qualified bike leader and Buggy Fitness – targeting new parents and their babies which involves prams, exercises and fun!
The current Community Projects Officer, Sally Dobbing, has been responsible for identifying training needs and organising training for the volunteers, securing funding for activities, developing the first ever junior angling club for the park, co-ordinating the move to the Grand Entrance - South Lodge, progressing the community market garden project and the Grand Entrance Open day.
Fifty young people recently participated in an angling taster session held at the lower lake. The event was co-ordinated by the Friends of Birkenhead Park with the support of Get Hooked on Fishing, AWAC (Association of Wirral Angling Clubs), Birkenhead Park Rangers and volunteer coaches. Nearly everyone caught something during the hourly sessions; including perch, tench, roach and crucian carp. Community Projects Officer, Sally Dobbing, was amazed by the turnout. “The young people all enjoyed themselves and the feedback was fantastic. We are trying to set up a junior angling club in the summer, and forty people have already signed up.” Since the taster day O2 have awarded Park Roots £1000 from the ‘It’s Your Community Fund’ for the Junior Angling Club to purchase equipment. Sally said, “This funding has really given the club a solid basis to start from. We expect to run sessions at least once a week throughout the whole summer. We’re extremely grateful to O2 for their support.”
Birkenhead Park Video
"Supporting the work of the Friends"
A fifty minute film (approx running time) on DVD is available to purchase from the Visitor Centre for the very reasonable price of just £5.00. The film charts the history of Birkenhead Park from its conception in the 1840's to its current role in the 21st century. All proceeds from the sale of the DVD go to support the work of the Friends.
Park Volunteer Days
Please go to our Get involved page
About the Park
There is much to do and see in the Park from pleasant walks, guided tours, exhibitions in the Visitor Centre and events throughout the year. Fishing in the Park is permitted though a licence is required and available in good fishing tackle shops or the Visitor Centre.