The discussion groups at the AGM raised the following issues regarding the future of the Friends group
Aims and Objectives of the Friends of Ulley Country Park
- To work towards the management, maintenance and improvement of Ulley Country Park in partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and other appropriate organisations for the benefit of the people of Rotherham and visitors to the Park.
What we do now – VR working days,committee meetings, annual projects (birdseed, planters, bulbs, litter bin, swan rescue donation), specific projects
What we should do in future
Increase the number of Volunteers. Promote what we do more. On Facebook
Scavanger hunt, similar to geocash. Pebble Painting
Contact VAR regarding volunteers. 6th form students. Corporate volunteering. Wickersley/Aston Academies
Involve youth groups, scouts etc. Catering college Use social media more
All activities valued by the community. Use Facebook to widen net to get more people involved. Use Google reviews to promote park and events
2. To promote, support and protect the heritage and the wildlife in Ulley Country Park.
What we do now – website, projects, birdfeeders, photo comp, social media, presentation. Fungi walk, bird spotting walk
What we should do in future
Posters in supermarkets. Advertise in other places (churches, shops). Clifton Park to advertise
On line competition. Planting orchard
Reps from RSPB etc
Closer links with VAR for ideas and support, use their publicity and outreach. Possibly get other volunteers/agencies to run café every weekend
3. To promote safe use of the parkland and water for all users regardless of faith, political affiliation, race, gender, sexual orientation etc.
What we do now – Defibrillator. Water safety courses
What we should do in future
Approach different sectors of society to di different activities
Increase throwlines
Footpaths not safe.
Delete second half of Aim. Promote water safety with Fire Brigade. Reporting asb procedure. Co-ordination with USC
Get onto Rotherham Roundup to have a wider stage
4. To seek funding for projects to further improve and develop the Park for its users.
What we do now – grant applications
What we should do in future
Supermarkets community funds links to help promoting events. SYFAB VAR fundraising webairs
Community Park. Picnic in the Park
Recycling bins to encourage green trends
Events for children Family day type events. Groups that organise activities eg forest school
Small scale DIY SOS links with local businesses etc to promote park with special offers. Spring Working Day with media shoutout to attract volunteers
5. To assist RMBC to promote and market the Park to all statutory bodies and/or other appropriate organisations in order to promote the welfare of the Park for all users.
Include in reworded Aim 1
Push RMBC to rent out Visitors Centre more with full RMBC support. Park needs larger group of Users. Pressure on RMBC to improve facilities
6. To act as a channel through which the Park users may give feedback to RMBC.
What we do now – website, emails, newsletters
What we should do in future
QR code access
More on Facebook. Sharing from others
Facebook. YourMag. Aston Natters. Library. Health Centre
All revenue generated at Ulley should go to Ulley. Trees and hedges need cutting back. More nettle strimming, litter and fishing tackle signs
Publicise responses from RMBC
Social media more wide reaching, need for on the ball publicity and social media promotional whizkid
7. To provide opportunities for the Country Park users to meet.
What we do now – café days, provide picnic tables
What we should do in future
Partnership with Newman School. Possible café every day by individual renting space
Use as Warm Space. Meetings for people who are lonely.
Oat milk. Flavoured teas. Scones. Sausage rolls vegan/gluten free cakes
Walking groups use Ulley as starting point. Litter picking events
8. To organise and assist with events, in co-operation with RMBC, for the benefit of visitors to the Park.
What we do now – café days, events at café days, special events. Ann’s Wildlife trail, Fungi walk
What we should do in future
More publicity prior to events. Link with USC to offer free tasters on activity day
Put to an outsider – yoga, Tai Chi etc. Ice cream man. Birds of Prey went down well to have here
Car parking charges for events. Rothergard concessions. Free parking Sat/Sun as city centre car parks
Other users for cafe
Other organisations prepared to run a café. Easter egg hunt
Get Advertiser to do a big spread on our success.
9. To promote, research and record the flora, fauna and history of the Park, so that this may be used to inform and educate visitors to the Park and conserve its heritage.
RSPB dawn chorus
Russ Howes book. Fungi walk. Bird spotting walk. Website photos. Speakers at AGM. Talks to other groups