Over the past 20 years Birmingham Open Spaces Forum (BOSF) and its network of volunteers have made a huge contribution to the city of Birmingham, whilst helping to look after its parks and other open spaces as well as connecting more people to them for their happiness, health and wellbeing.

On Sunday 3rd August a special commemorative baton will start an epic journey around the city to celebrate BOSF's 20th Anniversary.

I am so excited to be carrying the baton between sites and passing it to community open space friends groups across the city. The event will take place over the course of four Sundays from 3rd-24th August 2025.

As well as carrying the baton, I will be aiming to photograph a butterfly and record a bird song with the friends at each site, as well as collecting a "handful of memories" from the friends that show their favourite moments and milestones from the past. I will also collect their vision for the future of Birmingham and its people.

Birds and butterflies are indicators. The greater the amount and variety of birdsong and dancing butterflies there are in a neighbourhood, the healthier that place is likely to be.

Birmingham's open spaces are oases for urban wildlife and they are also the life-givers that provide clean air, flood defence, happiness, health, wellbeing and a whole host of other benefits to local residents.

I have created this fund-raiser to help BOSF (Registered Charity Number 1170171) connect more families in Birmingham to their local open spaces, through their events and activities.

I will be posting updates regarding the baton's adventures as it journeys around Birmingham and sharing its encounters with wonderful people along the way!

This baton walk is an opportunity, not only to celebrate 20 years of incredible work by BOSF and its membership of "unsung heroes", but also to create a legacy that connects more Brummies to nature and open spaces for their happiness, health and wellbeing whilst inspiring and giving hope for a thriving city, filled with birdsong, dancing butterflies and community gardens.

Please, give if you can and also share this fundraiser with your friends and family.

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.