What we’re up to

We like to be as transparent and open as possible. This is why we thought you might like to know what sort of things we are up to in our neighbourhood, who we’re talking to and why. If you wish to discuss any of these ideas you can bring them up at our next AGM, or send us an email to admin@suslife.uk anytime. Alternatively, get involved in your community directly and come along to one of the many Friends/Forum meetings in your neighbourhood.

Stirchley

  • We designed and organised printing of leaflet material for the Home Grow project by Spring to Life for free in June 2020.
  • In July 2020 we got very annoyed to find out Morrisons had removed trees in Stirchley Park without consultation and helped to bridge the communication gap (via  highlighting the issue on twitter) between Mary Locke, BOSF, Strichley Park and Morrisons as a miscommunication had occured. Mary Locke after investigating set up a meeting between the parties affected.
  • We are developing microgreen grow at home packs at materials cost price only for Mother Gardens aimed at providing grow at home materials for refugees traveling on public transport so are unable to take large, heavy and awkward plants and materials home with them.
  • We are developing a Snowflake trail within Key Hill Cemetery in partnership with the Friends of Ten Acres. The trail will be free and open to all on thier daily walks. Participants can view the trail in the Ten Ares Woodland and take home a snowflake with them to keep. All snowflakes are wooden with natural cord ties in order to minimise the impact of any that fall into the woodland.

Kings Heath

  • We are working with the Highbury Chamberlain Trust to clear thier original driveway and new pathways to improve accessability on site ready for contractors to come in and restore the site. We are removing weed trees, brambles and rubbish in these areas ready for the driveway/path laying. Much of the material is remaining on site – as we are laying dead hedges to create wildlife corridors to establish new habitation. This is paid work

Solihull

  • We are working with the B37 project around Babs Mill Lake to improve awareness and knowledge of plants and trees in the area. This is paid work
  • Our course leaders Alan and Bracken were also involved in the production of the B37 Soundwalker experience helping to form part of the map of sound with a foraging walk by Alan and a talk about a few of the native trees by Bracken.

Jewellery Quarter

  • We are working with the JQCP to provide outdoor activities for vulnerable families in the Key Hill and Warstone cemeteries. This is paid work
  • We are developing a new website and income system for the Friends of Key Hill and Warstone Cemeteries through the JQCP, providing free hosting and web development & design.
  • We are developing a Snowflake trail within Key Hill Cemetery on behalf of the Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries Project. The trail will be free and open to all on thier daily walks. Participants can view the trail in thier own time and take home a snowflake with them to keep. All snowflakes are wooden with natural cord ties in order to minimise the impact of any that fall. We are also making a special video of the trail once it it first set up for all those who cannot make the trail in person.

The Pumpkin Spectacular Journey

  • We were really pleased to be able to work alongside the Jewellery Quarter Cemeteries Project to deliver the Pumpkin Spectacular this halloween in lieu of being able to run an in person event due to the pandemic. The pumpkin spectacular saw dozens of carved pumpkins donated to the JQCP to be used in our video production at Warstone Lane Catacombs.
  • After we made the amazing night time video amoungst the real life bats flying around us, the Pumpkins were picked up by volunteers from Moseley Park who took them to Moseley Park to create a free pumpkin trail for the kids.
  • After this, the pumpkins were headed off again to spend the rest of thier time “retiring” in Highbury Orchard, decorating the orchard and then finally becoming wildlife feed and compost.