It's been a busy start to 2026 for the Friends of Ainsdale Village Park. Here's a few of the highlights.
January
42.5 hours of volunteering.
New logo launched.
Took part in RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.
New posters made by pupils from Farnborough Road school.
First new planter for the entrance was installed built by Green Sefton's Natural Alternatives team with wood provided from bid to Wickes Community Programme.
Green Flag Award application submitted.
New Management Plan written.
February
28.5 hours of volunteering.
Entrance hedges tidied after cutting by Green Sefton.
New planter planted with growing bulbs, escallonia, carex, cypress muscari and ivy.
March
43 hours of volunteering.
Mulched the paths around the park with Green Sefton and Natural Alternatives.
Second planter installed at the Liverpool Road entrance by Green Sefton and Natural Alternatives.
Southport’s Great Big Spring Clean. Rebecca from The Hearth and 6 volunteers took part. Cleaning the park, Bradshaw’s Lane, Sacred Heart, Liverpool Road and Birkdale Cemetery.
New swings installed.
April
63.25 hours of volunteering.
Easter Craft event for families. 5 volunteers and the Easter Bunny. Approximately 20 children attended.
The Green Sefton team prepared the wildflower area.
Held our AGM.
New bench in the children’s play area dedicated to Bebe, Alice and Elsie.
Wildflower area sown on 25 April.
Meeting with Sefton Council Community Engagement Officer on the park.
May
44.25 hours of volunteering.
Three park maintenance sessions, hole filling, litter picking, tree feed and watering, planting in new wooden planters at Liverpool Road entrance.
Green Flag judging afternoon.
Willow Beavers session stuffing our three bug hotels.
EGM.
Curry and Quiz night at Dukes Wine Bar. Over 60 attendees.
June
Regular litter picking.
Natural Alternatives leaf mould bin installed.
Tree mulching with Natural Alternatives. Removal of stakes from established trees.
Watering wildflower area.
Pruning.
Attended Northern Flowerhouse Assembly in Liverpool.